When people think of Los Angeles, images of Hollywood glamour, palm-lined boulevards, and endless sunshine often come to mind. But for millions of travelers each year, their very first glimpse of the city begins not on Sunset Boulevard, but at LAX Airport (Los Angeles International Airport).
With its expansive runways, modern terminals, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, LAX is designed to handle the demands of global travel while providing seamless connections to the heart of Southern California. Let us check out the Los Angeles International Airport in detail.
LAX Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports and the primary gateway to Southern California. With nine terminals, four major runways, and extensive roadway connections, LAX serves as a hub for both domestic and international travel. Here is an overview of LAX.
| Category | Details |
| Name of the Airport | Los Angeles International Airport |
| ICAO Code | KLAX |
| IATA Code | LAX |
| Number of Terminals | 9 (Terminals 1–8 and Tom Bradley International Terminal) + 9 remote gates + American Airlines regional jet facility with eight gates east of Terminal 8 |
| Runways | LAX is equipped with four major runways, each designed to handle heavy traffic and a wide range of aircraft sizes:6L/24R – 10,885 ft x 150 ft (grooved asphalt/concrete)6R/24L – 8,926 ft x 150 ft (grooved concrete)7L/25R – 12,923 ft x 150 ft (grooved concrete)7R/25L – 11,095 ft x 200 ft (grooved asphalt/concrete) |
| Airlines from LAX | Over 60 domestic and international airlines operate at LAX |
| Annual Record of Passengers | 2019: Over 88 million passengers2023: ~67 million passengers2024: Passenger traffic continues to recover post-pandemic |
| Ground Transportation Services | World Way loop road (Upper Departures & Lower Arrivals)East Way & West Way connectionsCenter Way (partially restricted due to Automated People Mover construction)Shuttle services, taxis, rideshare, Metro Rail & bus connections |
| Destinations | Flights to all six continents |
| Owned and Operated By | Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) |
| Contact Number | (855) 463-5252 (LAX Customer Service Hotline) |
| Email ID | laxguestexperience@lawa.org (for accessibility and guest experience inquiries) |
Spanning over 3,200 acres, LAX is not only vast in scale but also strategically positioned to serve as a critical hub for both domestic and international aviation. Its location along the Pacific coast makes it a natural gateway to Asia and Oceania. At the same time, its size allows it to accommodate the immense passenger and cargo traffic that flows through Los Angeles every year.
The airport’s elevation and geographic coordinates highlight its coastal setting, reinforcing its role as one of the largest and most significant airports in the world.
LAX offers nearly 8,000 parking spaces spread across eight parking structures in the Central Terminal Area. These structures are conveniently located across from Terminals 1 through 7, with the Tom Bradley International Terminal served by Parking Structures 3 and 4.
There are various parking options, such as Terminal Parking, Economy Parking, Valet Parking, Budget Parking, and more.
To know more about parking at the Los Angeles Airport, please check the LAX Parking page.
When at LAX, you will be amazed by the services and amenities the airport offers to enhance customer convenience.
You get free wi-fi services across all terminals at LAX Airport. The wireless network should be set to _LAX Free WiFi. You should then launch the browser on your device. After that, choose the Free Unlimited Wi-Fi option to start your session. Alongside the free service, you can also opt for high-speed service for a fee.
You can enjoy a shopping spree at LAX, which has umpteen stores with interesting stuff. For example, CNBC sells last-minute flight essentials, magazines, news outlets, snacks, and a lot more. DFS Duty Free has interesting gifts in store for you. For more information, visit our shops at LAX page.
There are many places to eat at LAX for individuals with diverse tastes, from quick bites to wholesome meals. You have some interesting restaurants, like Chicken and Beer and Chicken Guy. The restaurants at LAX page gives you more updates on the different places to eat.
You have several nursing stations across all terminals at LAX, which is indeed a boon for mothers who wish for some privacy and comfort while nursing and caring for their babies while travelling.
You have ATMs at all LAX terminals for passenger convenience. There are currency exchange counters at various locations as well to ensure you do not face any hassle.
If you have misplaced an item anywhere in the airport, such as the gate area, ticketing counter, or curbside, you may contact LAX’s lost and found services from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.
You will find lounges for several airlines at Los Angeles Airport, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay as you await your flight.
You will find animal relief areas across several locations at LAX, where travellers can let their pets relieve themselves and stretch a little during their journey. You may check the pet relief areas on the LAX interactive map for more information.
LAX understands the medical needs that may arise during the journey, which is why they have organized first-aid stations at Terminal B. They even have defibrillators for passengers suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. You will find them at the security posts beyond the passenger screening stations. The airport police officers are well-trained to use the life-saving device so they can use it proactively if an emergency arises.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides extensive bus and rail service throughout the region.
This network ensures travelers have multiple affordable and convenient options to access the airport.
LAX is one of the most globally connected airports, hosting a wide range of domestic and international carriers. From major U.S. airlines to leading global brands, it offers nonstop service to destinations across six continents.
LAX is a central hub for U.S. carriers, offering connections across the country through:
As a global gateway, LAX hosts an extensive list of international carriers, connecting Los Angeles to destinations across six continents:
Conclusion
LAX Airport (Los Angeles International Airport) stands as both a premier aviation hub and a vital economic engine for Southern California. With extensive runways, modern terminals, diverse concessions, and service from leading domestic and international airlines, it connects Los Angeles to the world. Beyond passenger travel, LAX drives commerce, employment, and infrastructure growth, reinforcing its role as one of the most significant airports globally.
FAQs
Yes, LAX provides wheelchair services, accessible shuttles, elevators, and designated parking spaces. Airlines also coordinate special assistance upon request for passengers with reduced mobility.
Pets are permitted if properly contained. LAX also features pet relief areas across terminals, ensuring comfort for travelers with service animals or pets.
Yes, complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout all terminals. Travelers can connect easily to stay productive, stream entertainment, or access flight information while waiting.
Several airlines and independent operators offer lounges at LA offering amenities such as comfortable seating, dining, showers, and business services for premium travelers.
Yes, LAX offers lounges, duty‑free shopping, diverse dining, and nearby hotel shuttles, ensuring international passengers have comfort and services during extended layovers.