For Immediate Release
November 21, 2024
Contact:
LAX Public Relations
(424)646-5430
LAX anticipates over 2 million passengers traveling through the airport this Thanksgiving holiday travel period;
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) anticipates a busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which spans from Thursday, Nov. 21 to Monday, Dec. 2. The airport projects over 2.2 million passengers to transit through the airport during that time, with the busiest travel day expected to be on Sunday, Nov. 24.
“As we enter one of our peak travel periods, LAX is strategically positioned to handle increased passenger volumes across our terminals and ground transportation networks," said Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. "The addition by our airline partners of eight new nonstop destinations this year, particularly to outdoor recreation hubs, reflects our commitment to meet evolving passenger demands, especially during the holiday season. Our goal is to ensure that passengers and guests have a smooth and enjoyable experience, as they connect with loved ones and friends, or embark on holiday adventures.”
With the holiday travel season kicking off in earnest this weekend and expected to last through early December, LAX is ready to meet the demand of the holiday rush as both residents and visitors head out of town, or welcome friends and family to Southern California. With expanded dining options, new destinations and enhanced guest services, the airport is committed to providing a stress-free travel experience. To help navigate the busy holiday period, travelers should consider the following tips:
1. Allow at least two hours before departure time
LAX is one of the busiest origin and destination airports in the world. More passengers start or end their journeys here than almost any other airport. While two hours may seem excessive, this will allow enough time to arrive, check any bags, proceed through TSA security, and navigate to the boarding gate. If traveling internationally, LAX recommends arriving three hours early.
2. Pre-book your parking
Parking at the airport is in high demand, with parking facilities expected to reach capacity on the busiest travel days. Visit parking.flylax.com for the best rates and to plan parking ahead of time. Parking options may include discounts from the drive-up rates, depending on availability and demand.
Redeem promo code PARKLAX at checkout, when pre-booking a parking spot in advance. Guests who pre-book their parking at least six hours in advance can receive discounts on their reservation, including 20% off budget parking; 15% off economy parking; 15% off P1 and P7 terminal general parking; 15% off terminal premium parking; 10% off P7 valet parking. Offer valid through November 29.
3. Plan ahead before arriving
Check the status of a flight before arriving at the airport. If the reservation allows, utilize online check-in options.
Meeting someone? Check the status and arrival terminal of the flight before heading to the airport. LAX provides real-time traffic and parking information at Parking and traffic updates are available 24/7 via the automated @FlyLAXstats X (formerly Twitter) feed. Curbside pickup and drop off is permitted on the Upper/Departures and Lower/Arrivals levels. All parking structures are free for the first 15 minutes.
Two cell phone waiting lots are open and provide a space for drivers to wait in their vehicles until passengers are ready to be picked up from the terminal curb. This helps reduce traffic volume around the Central Terminal Area. The lots are located at 96th Street & Alverstone Avenue, and 96th Street & Vicksburg Avenue. A helpful video on how to access these areas can be found here.
Transit, taxi, rideshare and other ground transportation information can be found here.
4. Navigate TSA checkpoints like a pro
For a more efficient experience, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration's Preè or other trusted-traveler programs, such as U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Global Entry.
5. Get a head start on your Thanksgiving feast: Try a new concession option and take advantage of concession promotions
All LAX terminals are completely connected and can be accessed by ticketed passengers post-security. Guests can now take advantage of all LAX’s concessions, regardless of their assigned terminal. New dining options this summer include CAVA and Pizza Please, both located in Terminal 3.
Skip the line at participating concessions by placing your order through LAXOrderNow. Enjoy 25% off all mobile orders through November 30. Promo Code: LAXTHANKS24.
For guests looking for a space to work, LAX is modernizing its terminal facilities to meet the needs of the business-leisure traveler. Most terminals feature areas with workspaces, access to power outlets and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to confidently complete any business obligations while waiting for their flight.
6. Find relaxation amidst the movement of travel
LAX offers a range of unique amenities to enhance the passenger experience, such as the Gameway arcade in Terminals 3 and 6, providing entertainment with classic and modern games.
LAX's Art Program showcases the diverse talents of local and regional artists through presentations of over 20 temporary and 10 permanent installations across the airport. These artistic expressions enrich the physical spaces of the terminals while embodying the vibrant cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. As travelers embark on their journeys or return home, they are invited to pause, reflect and engage with the stories and creativity present in each work.
The PUPS Program offers a unique form of comfort and airport information. Therapy dogs and their handlers roam the departure levels in the gate areas of each terminal, visiting passengers awaiting flights. This interaction can provide a soothing, stress-relieving experience, enhancing the airport journey.
Musically-inclined passengers can enjoy playing Kawai pianos available in Terminal B (near gate 201A) and Terminal 7 (beyond the TSA checkpoint), adding a touch of creativity and relaxation to their travel.
7. Pro tools at your fingertips:
LAX Main Site - Flight, parking and terminal maps and information
Parking Reservations and Information
FlyLAX Stats - Realtime Parking and Traffic Information
Dining and Concessions
Lost and Found
AskLAX (Virtual Assistant)
LAX Helpline
Construction Hotline
LAX, the eighth-busiest airport in the world serving over 75 million guests in 2023, is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a proprietary, revenue-generating department of the City of Los Angeles that also governs Van Nuys Airport (VNY). As the international gateway to the Southern California region, LAX and its partners are dedicated to meeting global airport standards for customer satisfaction, safety, regional economic leadership, organizational performance and sustainability.
To better serve the millions of domestic and international guests who travel through LAX each year, the airport is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program to modernize its entire campus. Initiatives underway will ensure efficiency and dependability for every traveler and include an Automated People Mover and Consolidated Rental Car facility.
For more information about LAX, its transformation and its environmental, social and local workforce commitments, please visit flylax.com. Follow LAX on X (formally Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
