Passenger volume at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is expected to increase over 1.3 percent this upcoming holiday travel period to nearly 2.9 million passengers compared to last year’s holiday. The holiday travel period begins this Friday, Dec. 17, and continues through Sunday, January 2.
The busiest days at the airport are expected to be Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend; Friday, Dec. 24; and Sunday, Jan. 2 — with airlines reporting passenger load factors approaching 95 percent on most flights and most flights fully booked.
For the fourth year in a row, volunteer Los Angeles World Airports employees wearing red vests will roam terminals to assist travelers.
Airport officials suggest passengers departing LAX during daily peak travel periods – from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.; from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – arrive in their airline’s ticketing lobbies two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Most domestic air travelers can avoid ticketing counter lines by checking in with their airlines through the airlines’ Internet websites before coming to the airport.
A number of airlines changed terminal locations earlier this year. For example: AirTran Airways and JetBlue now operate from Terminal 3.
Winter snow and ice conditions at other cities across the nation and coastal fog conditions are LAX often affect flight operations, so passengers are advised to check with their airlines to ensure their flights are on time before coming to LAX.
Holiday Travel Forecast
LAX AiRadio 530 AM is the only broadcast source of information on ground transportation, parking, airline terminal locations and security. Broadcasts are streamed onto the airport’s Internet website at www.lawa.org/lax, where comprehensive information about LAX’s passenger services and amenities is available.
Timely information on flight status, traffic and smart travel tips also is available on LAX’sTwitter page at www.twitter.com/LAX_Official on the LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laxairport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website at www.cbp.gov advises travelers on what items can be brought into the U.S. from overseas. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website at www.tsa.gov lists items that are permitted onboard with passengers, items which must be packed in checked luggage, and items totally prohibited on flights.
Los Angeles Airport Police reminds passengers to ensure their baggage and personal belongings are attended at all times, and encourage the public and airport employees to identify and report suspicious behavior. While at LAX, the public can contact any law enforcement personnel or call the Airport Police hotline at (310) 646-7911.
LAX offers daily, convenient and economical FlyAway® nonstop bus service to the airport from Union Station, Van Nuys, Westwood and Irvine Station. Children age 5 and under ride free except at Union Station which offers free rides to children 14 and under. For more information, visit www.lawa.org/flyaway.
