Airport operations have gotten complicated with all the changes and updates flying around. As someone with extensive travel experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.
LAX: What You Actually Need to Know
I’ve flown through LAX more times than I can count, and my feelings about it are complicated. It’s chaotic, the terminals don’t connect properly, and getting there involves LA traffic. But it’s also the main gateway to the west coast, so you learn to deal with it.
Here’s what I’ve figured out about making LAX less painful.
Where to Eat
The food has gotten legitimately better over the years. Some actual good options now:
Terminal 4: Ink.Sack makes excellent sandwiches. Blue Ribbon Sushi if you want real food before a long flight.
Tom Bradley International: This is where the food gets interesting. Umami Burger, 800 Degrees Pizza, Trejo’s Tacos. All worth eating even outside an airport context.
Terminal 5: The Habit Burger and Lemonade for California-style healthy-ish options.
When you’re in a rush, coffee shops near security checkpoints tend to have shorter morning lines than the ones deeper in the terminals.
Lounges
Star Alliance Lounge (Tom Bradley): Rooftop views that are actually impressive. Worth seeking out if you have Star Alliance Gold or a card that gets you in.
Alaska Lounge (Terminal 6): Good food, west coast vibes, less crowded than some of the bigger carrier lounges.
Admirals Club and Flagship (various): American’s options throughout the airport. Flagship Lounge is premium; regular Admirals is fine.
Getting Into Lounges
- Premium credit cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve often include Priority Pass
- Day passes run $50-75 at most lounges
- Airline elite status usually gets you in
Shopping
Tom Bradley has the Great LA Marketplace with California brands and decent duty-free. Other terminals have standard airport retail. Honestly, I rarely buy anything at airports, but if you need something, it exists.
Heads up: duty-free only applies to international flights. And always price-check on your phone first. “Airport price” is not always a deal.
Long Layovers
Options for sleeping or resting:
- Minute Suites: Private rooms by the hour for napping
- Airport hotels: Several on-site for overnight needs
- Quiet areas: Designated spots with comfortable seating
Getting Around
LAX has 9 terminals in a horseshoe shape. Here’s the annoying part: most terminal transfers require exiting security and going through screening again. Exception: Tom Bradley to some TBIT gates.
Rideshare pickup is at LAXit, a designated lot that’s a 5-10 minute walk from terminals. Follow the purple signs. It’s not convenient, but it’s the system now.
Security Wait Times
Peak hours (5-8am and 4-7pm): Expect 30-45 minutes in standard lines. With PreCheck, usually 5-10 minutes.
Off-peak: 15-20 minutes standard, almost nothing with PreCheck.
CLEAR helps if you have it. TSA PreCheck alone makes a huge difference here.
Things I’ve Learned
- Download the LAX app for real-time gate updates
- Holiday travel is brutal – add an extra hour to everything
- International connections need at least 2-3 hours
- Terminal 4 to Terminal 7 is a long walk even inside security
- The free WiFi actually works now
Essential Travel Gear
Things that make LAX more bearable:
Travel pillow and eye mask – essential for layovers
Portable charger – outlets aren’t always available
Noise-canceling headphones – LAX is loud
LAX isn’t my favorite airport, but with the right expectations and some planning, it’s manageable.
