Why can two flights to Los Angeles have different airport codes?

Los Angeles is served by multiple airports. Two itineraries advertised as flights to Los Angeles may therefore use different airports depending on the airline, route and destination area.

Do international arrivals at LAX follow a different process from domestic arrivals?

Yes. International arrivals generally require immigration, baggage collection and customs procedures before passengers continue to a connecting flight or leave the airport.

Can my LAX terminal change after I book my flight?

Yes. Airline and airport operating arrangements can change. LAX is undergoing several terminal projects and airline relocations.

Can I arrive at one Los Angeles-area airport and depart from another?

Yes, if your travel plans permit, but you will need to make your own arrangements for transportation between the airports. Check the distance, traffic conditions, baggage requirements and time between flights before booking separate itineraries.

Does the airport I choose affect the rest of my Los Angeles trip?

Yes. The airport can affect your ground transportation time, transfer arrangements and overall journey. Comparing only the airfare may not show the full difference between two itineraries.

How to Book a Flight to Los Angeles and Save Money?

Cheap Flights to Los Angeles - Commercial airplane over LA skyline

Los Angeles Flight Guide

How to Find Cheap Flights to Los Angeles? Easy Guide

Flights to Los Angeles

The transportation at Los Angeles is provided via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and some other airports within the Los Angeles region. LAX is a hub for many domestic and international flights, but for some destinations Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) are more convenient.

When looking for a flight to Los Angeles do not concentrate on the ticket price only. The convenience and overall value of your trip can be affected by airport location, total journey time, connections, baggage rules and terminal arrangements.

Which Los Angeles Airport Should You Fly Into?

The choice of airport will depend on your accommodation and available flights. LAX is the main gateway but another airport could trim the ground trip after landing.

Airport	Code	May be useful for
Los Angeles International Airport	LAX	Central and wider Los Angeles travel, including many domestic and international itineraries
Hollywood Burbank Airport	BUR	Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood and nearby areas
Long Beach Airport	LGB	Long Beach and parts of southeastern Los Angeles County
Ontario International Airport	ONT	Ontario, the Inland Empire and parts of the eastern Los Angeles region
John Wayne Airport	SNA	Orange County and nearby destinations

Why Is LAX the Main Airport for Los Angeles?

LAX is Los Angeles’ main airport and one of the main gateways for aviation on the West Coast of the United States.

There are several reasons why it is important:

1Extensive domestic network:

LAX connects Los Angeles with major cities and markets across the United States.

2International connectivity:

The airport provides service to destinations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America and other international markets.

3Wide variety of airlines:

LAX is served by a number of U.S. and foreign airlines.

4Connecting opportunities:

Longer flights arrive at or connect through LAX.

5Location:

LAX is located near many parts of Los Angeles and the duration of travel depends on traffic and final destination.

Which Airlines Fly to Los Angeles?

LAX is served by a variety of domestic and international airlines. Examples include:

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American Airlines

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Alaska Airlines

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Delta Air Lines

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United Airlines

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Southwest Airlines

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Air Canada

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British Airways

The airline you choose can affect more than the ticket price. It can determine your departure terminal, connection airport, baggage rules and, in some cases, whether an international itinerary uses Terminal B.

What U.S. Cities Have Flights to Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has regular air services with important markets in the United States. Depending on the airline and date of your flight, frequent U.S. destinations include:

New York

Chicago

Dallas

Houston

Miami

Atlanta

Seattle

San Francisco

Las Vegas

Denver

Not all the routes operate daily and may vary depending on the season.

Terminal Guide

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminals & Flight Operations

Why Should You Check Your LAX Terminal Before Travelling?

Travellers should not assume LAX terminal assignments will continue to be the same.

The current airline data reveals a number of arrangements that can involve different terminals. For example:

American Airlines

Terminals 4, 5 & Terminal B

Check-in is at Terminals 4 and 5. Your flights might depart from Terminal 4, 5 or Terminal B.

Delta Air Lines

Terminals 2, 3 & Terminal B

Terminal 3 is used for check-in; Terminal 2/3 complex is used for flight operations. Terminal B is used for international flights. Please check your flights before your travel.

Air Canada

Terminal 6

Terminal 6.

United Airlines

Terminals 7 & 8

Terminal 7, where United and United Express fly out of Terminals 7 and 8.

Japan Airlines

Terminal 4 & Terminal B

Passengers check in at Terminal 4, international departures and arrivals listed at Terminal B.

British Airways

Terminal 4 & Terminal B

Terminal 4 (check-in); Terminal B (international departures and arrivals)

LATAM Airlines

Terminal 2 & Terminal B

Check-in is in Terminal 2, international arrivals are in Terminal B.

What Is Happening at LAX Terminal 5?

Due to renovations, Terminal 5 is currently closed, and LAX is set to be reopened in 2028. It is advised that passengers contact the airline for details regarding check-in and gate services.

This is particularly applicable when thinking about past flight details or airport guides that continue to refer to Terminal 5 as an operational passenger terminal.

LAX is also doing more general modernisation work, and the construction at airports can affect traffic and passenger routes. So, getting the latest information about your trip at the airport before you go there will help you to save your time.

How Do Connecting Flights Work at LAX?

A connection at LAX may involve a terminal transfer, additional security screening or immigration procedures, depending on the itinerary.

Before booking a connecting flight, check:

Arrival and departure terminals

Length of the connection

Whether both flights are on the same reservation

Checked-baggage arrangements

Customs and immigration requirements

Whether a terminal transfer is necessary

Whether the connection involves an international arrival

A short connection can become more complicated when passengers have to change terminals or complete international arrival formalities.

Can You Travel Between LAX Terminals During a Connection?

Yes. LAX has connections between its passenger terminals, but the amount of time needed depends on your terminals, route and whether you need to clear security again.

Some airlines have different setups where you check in at one terminal but depart from Terminal B for international flights, as indicated in the airport terminal information.

If your itinerary requires you to change terminals, check the airport map and your airline’s latest advice before you travel.

What Ground Transportation Should You Plan After Landing at LAX?

At LAX, authorized ride-app services include Uber, Lyft and Opoli. Taxi and rideshare pick-up points are at the LAX-it zone, which is adjacent to Terminal 1. Travellers can take the free shuttle from the terminals to LAX-it.

LAX also operates the FlyAway bus service between the airport and locations including Los Angeles Union Station and Van Nuys.

In case your destination is closer to another Los Angeles airport, then it would be better to compare the total journey and not only ticket prices.

What Should You Check Before Your Los Angeles Flight?

This is the list you should follow before going to the airport:

✓Find out the number of your flight and its departure time.

✓Check the latest terminal and check-in location.

✓Review your carry-on and checked-baggage allowance.

✓Confirm connection details if you are changing flights.

✓Check for airline schedule or terminal changes.

✓Keep your boarding pass and identification accessible.

✓In case there is a transit between terminals, make sure to leave enough time.

✓Check current LAX construction or roadway information if travelling through the central terminal area.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Los Angeles? Easy Guide

Which Los Angeles Airport Should You Fly Into?

Why Is LAX the Main Airport for Los Angeles?

There are several reasons why it is important:

Which Airlines Fly to Los Angeles?

What U.S. Cities Have Flights to Los Angeles?

Why Should You Check Your LAX Terminal Before Travelling?

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Air Canada

United Airlines

Japan Airlines

British Airways

LATAM Airlines

What Is Happening at LAX Terminal 5?

How Do Connecting Flights Work at LAX?

Before booking a connecting flight, check:

Can You Travel Between LAX Terminals During a Connection?

What Ground Transportation Should You Plan After Landing at LAX?

What Should You Check Before Your Los Angeles Flight?

FAQs About Flights to Los Angeles