Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the 6th busiest airport in the world. In 2022 alone, nearly 66 million travelers passed through this airport located in the Westchester neighborhood of Los Angeles. Whether you’re arriving or departing, going through LAX can be a hectic experience due to its high volume of travelers.
How can you make your journey through LAX smoother? With the right planning and preparation, your experience traveling to Southern California from LA International Airport can be smooth sailing. No matter whether you’re a frequent flyer or taking to the skies for your first trip in a while, this guide will help you know what to expect and how to improve your experience.
So grab your bag, your boarding pass, and let’s go!
Know Your Terminal
First, prepare for your experience by understanding LAX’s unique layout. This airport has nine terminals, which are arranged in a horseshoe shape. Each terminal serves a different airline; unlike other airports, there’s no central terminal.
Before you depart, make sure you know where your airline is located before you leave for the airport. Even with signs, finding the right terminal can be complicated – especially during peak travel seasons and holiday weekends.
Leave Early
While Los Angeles has a lot going in its favor, there’s no doubt that the city’s traffic can be a headache. It can also be unpredictable. Accidents and unexpected road closures can slow your ride, making you late to your departure. Additionally, checking in and getting through security at LAX takes time.
In general, it’s recommended to arrive at LAX at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights. For international flights, experts recommend three hours. While this might seem like overkill, it’s better to arrive early than rush through the terminal – or miss your flight!
If you fly frequently, consider TSA PreCheck to reduce your time through security. With TSA PreCheck, you’ll be eligible for a special line and can keep your shoes, jackets, and belts on as you pass through security. It’s estimated that 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
Take a Private Shuttle
Taking a private shuttle to LAX airport is one of the ultimate travel hacks. With a private shuttle, you can skip the stress of traffic and expensive parking that comes with driving yourself. You’ll also avoid the unpredictable nature of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Private shuttles also offer comfort and dependability.
Other advantages of taking a private shuttle to LAX airport include:
1. Getting a Ride All To Yourself
Private shuttle service is exactly what it sounds like: your own ride, tailored to your schedule. You’re not sharing with strangers, and you don’t have to worry about the app assigning you a driver who might cancel at the last minute or take a circuitous route. You book in advance, your driver shows up when and where you need them, and you go directly to your terminal. That’s it.
2. Skip LAX-It
LAX-It is a designated pickup area for rideshares and taxis. Established to reduce traffic at the main terminals, LAX-It is further away and can mean a long walk with your bags or waiting for an airport shuttle to the terminal. If you’re running behind, it’s hardly convenient. With a private shuttle, you can get dropped off right at your terminal’s curbside.
3. More Space
If you’re traveling with a group, carrying a lot of luggage, or just like to have room to breathe, private shuttles offer far more space than a typical rideshare or public bus. Whether you need a luxury SUV, a van for your family, or even a mini bus for a group trip, you can book the right fit for your needs.
4. No Surge Pricing
One of the biggest pitfalls of a rideshare service like Uber and Lyft is the surge pricing feature. If traffic is heavy, or the service is in high demand, your fares can unexpectedly skyrocket past the initial quote. When you hire a private shuttle to LAX airport, you’ll know your fares in advance. No guessing games, no sticker shock.
More Pro Travel Tips for LAX
What else can you do to make your experience at LAX easier than ever? At Xpress Shuttles, we’ve done countless pickups and drop-offs at airports all around Southern California. Our passengers shared these airport travel tips for LAX:
Eat Before You Board
While LAX has numerous restaurants, every terminal has different choices – some are better than others. Plus, food in airport restaurants is frequently overpriced, and waiting in long lines at the terminal can cause you to miss your flight. Eat before you leave or bring a sandwich (or other food item of choice) in your carry on. You’ll also be less stressed out if you’re not hungry.
Charge Up & Bring a Power Bank
While LAX has many power outlets, they often fill up fast. Whether you’re working or killing time with a streaming show, there’s nothing worse than your devices running out of power. Give your phone, laptop, and other devices a full charge before you leave and bring an external power bank you can plug into. This is especially important if your boarding pass or travel itinerary are stored electronically on your phone, instead of paper.
Use the LAX App
LAX has an official app and a solid mobile site that gives real-time updates on parking, security wait times, flight statuses, and terminal info. It’s worth checking before you head out.
Choosing the Right Private Shuttle to LAX Airport
While private shuttles offer a number of advantages for traveling through LAX, not all shuttle service companies are alike. When you’re booking, consider these factors:
- Punctuality: Read reviews and make sure they have a track record of being on time.
- Fleet Options: Whether you’re traveling solo or bringing the whole family, the service should have a vehicle that fits.
Customer Service: You want someone you can call if plans change or you need help. - Pricing Transparency: No hidden fees, no vague rates—just clear pricing from the start.
At Xpress Shuttles, we’re here to take the stress out of your airport travel through Los Angeles. Whether you’re heading out for business, vacation, or something in between, starting your journey with a ride from Xpress Shuttles sets the tone for a smooth flight.
Call 866-805-4234 or click here to book a shuttle before your next flight!