LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND VAN NUYS AIRPORT REMAIN OPEN FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2020

Contact:
LAX Public Relations
(424) 646-5260

(Los Angeles, CA) With the new Safer at Home orders from the City and County of Los Angeles, as well as the statewide Stay at Home order, many travelers and their loved ones are wondering what that means for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). In all of these orders, airports are defined as essential operations. That means that LAX and VNY remain open and operating, though in many cases airlines have reduced their schedules. Guests are strongly advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. Additionally, public health guidance recommends only flying for essential travel to reduce the possible spread of germs. Per the Mayor’s Safer Home order, Angelenos are directed to stay in their residences and limit activity outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary for essential tasks – including to secure food and health care, safety and medical necessities, as well as to care for children, older adults, and people with disabilities – to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to the continuation of flight operations at LAX and VNY, businesses that are part of usual airport operations are also exempt from the orders. Concessions, retail stores, parking structures and ground transportation providers all continue operating, though in some cases with adjusted schedules or protocols.

Individuals are also still allowed to travel to LAX to pick up or drop off friends and loved ones, but the Safer at Home and public health guidelines remain, and it is recommended that those guests remain in their cars and practice social distancing rather than going into the terminals to meet their parties.

Food for takeout is available and most other retail and grab and go shops remain open, although perhaps at reduced or different hours of operation. Guests are asked to maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and others when in retail stores, gate areas, security lines and generally when walking throughout the airport.

Since the announcement of the Safer at Home orders, airport officials have received numerous questions regarding airport operations. Below are some of the more frequently asked questions and answers for guests who must travel.

Is LAX open? Yes. LAX remains open and operating for those who have essential travel. Many airlines have reduced flight schedules so guests are encouraged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

Is the FlyAway bus still operating? Yes. And additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been put into place to reduce the spread of germs. Passengers should keep at least six feet distance from other riders.

Are shuttles and buses that serve LAX still running? Yes. Hotel, rental car and LAX-operated buses and shuttles (e.g. G Shuttle, Employee Shuttle, Airport Connector, Municipal Bus Station) remain in operation. Guests are asked to maintain at least six feet between themselves and others on these buses and shuttles.

Is LAX-it open? Yes. Taxis and ride app companies continue to operate and guests can access these rides at LAX-it. LAX-it shuttle buses are cleaned and sanitized frequently and guests are asked to maintain at least six feet between themselves and others, both on the shuttles and at LAX-it. Check with your ground transportation provider to see if there are changes to the pickup procedures once at LAX-it.

Are LAX parking structures open? Yes. Parking structures at LAX remain open and operating, as does Lot E, LAX’s Economy Lot.

Can I drive to LAX to pick someone up? Yes. Remember to practice social distancing. If you can pick your guest up curbside or meet them in a parking structure rather than coming into the terminal, you reduce the possibility of coming into contact with someone else or spreading germs.

Are restaurants and stores open? Yes, though some stores and restaurants have reduced hours and food is available for take-out only. Concession and retail schedules are changing frequently and will be shared on FlyLAX.com and on Twitter at @FlyLAXAirport.

What are you doing to reduce the spread of germs at LAX? Los Angeles World Airports has implemented all recommended cleaning and sanitizing protocols put out by public health officials. This includes deploying more than 500 hand sanitizer stations throughout the airport, increasing deep cleaning protocols for high-touch areas, restrooms and touchscreens, and posting signage throughout the airport reminding people of the steps they can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, guests are asked to follow public health guidance on hand washing, social distancing and staying home if they are sick. More information on cleaning and sanitizing protocols and other steps LAWA is taking to keep airport guests safe can be found at https://www.flylax.com/en/traveler-updates.

The response to COVID-19 remains fluid, with new directives and orders arriving daily. As there are updates to the operations of LAX or VNY, that information will be shared via FlyLAX.com and social media.