Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Los Angeles, California · ICAO KLAX
The main international gateway to the U.S. West Coast, LAX is arranged as a horseshoe of nine terminals around a central roadway. The new Automated People Mover connects all terminals to Metro rail, rental cars, and economy parking. LAX serves as a major hub for American, Delta, and United Airlines.
LAX Airport Overview
Los Angeles International Airport (IATA: LAX / ICAO: KLAX) is located in Los Angeles, California. The main international gateway to the U.S. West Coast, LAX is arranged as a horseshoe of nine terminals around a central roadway. The new Automated People Mover connects all terminals to Metro rail, rental cars, and economy parking. LAX serves as a major hub for American, Delta, and United Airlines.
Hub for: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
💡 LAX Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from LAX.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: LAX is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
LAX TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at LAX average about 12 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Wednesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Sunday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at LAX
- Terminal 1: Terminal 1 Security Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 2: Terminal 2 Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 3: Terminal 3 Security Checkpoint
- Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT): TBIT Security Checkpoint — enhanced international screening
- Terminal 4: Terminal 4 Security Checkpoint — connected to TBIT airside
- Terminal 5: Terminal 5 Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 6: Terminal 6 Security Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 7: Terminal 7/8 shared Security Checkpoint
- Terminal 8: Terminal 7/8 shared Security Checkpoint
LAX Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
Terminal 4
Terminal 5
Terminal 6
Terminal 7
Terminal 8
Airlines at LAX — Terminal & Gate Directory
Los Angeles International Airport is served by 16+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 1 | Gates 1–18 |
| Delta Air Lines (Domestic) | Terminal 2 | Gates 21–28 |
| Delta Air Lines (Domestic & Regional) | Terminal 3 | Gates 30–39 |
| Air Canada | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Air France | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| All Nippon Airways | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| British Airways | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Cathay Pacific | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| China Airlines | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Emirates | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Etihad | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Japan Airlines | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Korean Air | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| LATAM | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Lufthansa | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Qantas | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Singapore Airlines | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| Turkish Airlines | Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) | Gates 130–157 |
| American AirlinesHub | Terminal 4 | Gates 40–49 |
| Allegiant Air | Terminal 5 | Gates 50–59 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 5 | Gates 50–59 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Terminal 5 | Gates 50–59 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal 5 | Gates 50–59 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 6 | Gates 60–69B |
| Boutique Air | Terminal 6 | Gates 60–69B |
| Copa Airlines | Terminal 6 | Gates 60–69B |
| United AirlinesHub | Terminal 7 | Gates 70–75B |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve LAX:
Where to Eat at LAX — Dining & Food Guide
Los Angeles International Airport has 28+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From LAX — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Los Angeles from Los Angeles International Airport:
- LAX Automated People Mover (APM) — connects all terminals to Metro K Line, rental cars, and economy parking
- FlyAway Bus — nonstop service to Union Station, Van Nuys, and other locations
- Metro C Line (Green) — via Aviation/Century station and APM
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup at LAX-it lot, shuttle from terminals
- Hotel shuttles — most LAX-area hotels offer complimentary pickup
LAX Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Los Angeles International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Central Terminal Area
Garages attached to each terminal
Economy Parking (Lot E)
Connected via APM people mover
Valet
Available at select terminals
Airport Lounges at LAX
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Los Angeles International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- Delta Sky Club (Terminals 2, 3)
- United Club (Terminals 7, 8)
- Star Alliance Lounge (TBIT)
- Qantas First Lounge (TBIT)
- Korean Air Lounge (TBIT)
LAX Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Los Angeles International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Rock & Brews, Starbucks, Dunkin'.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. LAX has 5 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Los Angeles International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 9 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
LAX Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at LAX?
Typical TSA security wait times at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) average around 12 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest wednesday around 11 pm and longest sunday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our LAX TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from LAX. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at LAX are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of LAX?
LAX is served by carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and others. Los Angeles International Airport is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
How many terminals does LAX have?
Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminal areas: Terminal 1; Terminal 2; Terminal 3; Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT); Terminal 4; Terminal 5; Terminal 6; Terminal 7; Terminal 8. Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
Popular ways to reach downtown Los Angeles from Los Angeles International Airport include LAX Automated People Mover (APM); FlyAway Bus; Metro C Line (Green). Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does LAX have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Los Angeles International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like LAX also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at LAX?
Los Angeles International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Rock & Brews, Starbucks, Shake Shack, Cassell's Hamburgers, Lemonade, Panda Express. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is LAX located?
Los Angeles International Airport is in Los Angeles, California (CA). Its IATA code is LAX and its ICAO code is KLAX. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.