How To Navigate Los Angeles International Airport- LAX

Handling over 70 million passengers a year, LAX Airport is touted as the third busiest airport in the world and the 2nd busiest airport within the United States. Serving routes and desitnations throughout the globe, it's one airport that is vital to airlines.

Los Angeles International Airport- LAX
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(424) 646-5252
www.lawa.org/welcomeLAX.aspx

If you're traveling internationally or non-stop from coast to coast, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is unavoidable. As with any mega airport navigation, it can be a nightmare. Traffic, long security lines, long check in lines and making a connecting flight when the terminal is on the other side of the airport are just a few of the issues people encounter while at LAX. But with a few helpful tips you can navigate LAX like a seasoned traveler.

Traffic

There's nothing you can do about the traffic, so just assume the worst case scenario and plan accordingly. The 405 is a parking lot in either direction the majority of the time, so add a minimum of 30 minutes regardless of what your GPS claims.

Check In

The length of these lines can vary. Seasoned travelers know the earliest flights out usually have the shortest lines and are your best bet for a faster check-in. If you have luggage you can very conveniently check your bags at the curb with an attendant for a few bucks. You can also move faster when not bogged down with luggage. You also have the self check-in option for E tickets. Most people are afraid of technology and opt for the long line. The self check-in system is quite user friendly, and if you run into trouble an attendant is usually nearby to help.

Security Lines

There's nothing you can do about these either, except plan accordingly. While you can't control what other people are wearing or put in their suitcases, you can help make your cross into the end zone a lot less stressful by taking a few things into consideration:

1. Shoes. Everyone knows by now you have to take them off and send them through the x-ray machine. Wearing a pair that come off and go on easily will save you time.
2. Pockets. Try to keep the pocket collection of stuff to a minimum when you know you have to go through security.
3. Jewelry. Going to the airport is not a time to accessorize. The more you put on the more you'll have to take off…and put on again.
4. Carry Ons. If you're traveling with just a carry on know the limits and sizes of liquid containers. You are allowed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container. This includes face creams, hand lotions and other toiletries. Drug stores carry travel containers, so pick up a few before you fly.
5. Unmentionables. Sometimes you are subjected to a random suitcase check. While the officer going through your suitcase fondling all your unmentionables is wearing gloves, you don't know where those gloves have been. Put all under garments, make-up and liquid containers in separate clear ziplock baggies. It will save time, preserve cleanliness and prevent things from getting misplaced.

Connecting Flights

LAX is huge, and if you're arriving there for the first time and have to make a connecting flight it can be overwhelming. The rule of thumb is to give yourself one or two hours for domestic flights and three hours international. Yes, you may have time to kill, but if your flight gets delayed you'll be thankful you gave yourself the extra time. Politely tell your flight attendant you have a connecting flight. Most of the FA's are seasoned and can tell you where your connecting gate is located and advise accordingly.

If your connection time is fleeting, you have a few possible options to beat the clock. Speak with your Flight Attendant or someone at the desk. Sometimes they can call ahead and give your connecting flight FAs a heads up. If you have to go outside of security you'll have to stand in another long security line. Explaining your situation and showing proof of a connecting flight to a security officer at the beginning of the line could score you an escort to the front. And running also helps.

If your connecting flight gate is on the other side of the airport you can grab one of the shuttles that travel around the airport and stop at every gate. Look for the LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections blue sign on the lower/arrival level islands in front of each terminal. It's a life saver. It's also free.

Whether you're picking someone up, dropping them off or taking a flight, having an idea of where you're going or what you're looking for before you get there is a big help. The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board provides updated changes to the airport and a PDF map of the airport as well as pertinent info travelers may need.

Related: Best Gourmet Restaurants At LAX

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com

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