Terminals at Los Angeles Airport

What passengers say, boarding levels, arrivals, service details.

LAX is structured around a central horseshoe that houses 9 passenger terminals, one of them dedicated exclusively to international flights known as Tom Bradley or Terminal B. A free shuttle service, the LAX Shuttle, connects all terminals, transportation areas, and parking facilities. In addition, a pedestrian connector links the post-security areas of all terminals.

The passenger experience at LAX terminals

Navigating through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can be both exciting and challenging. As one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, LAX offers a variety of services designed to facilitate the transit of millions of passengers each year. However, traveler reviews reflect mixed opinions about its facilities, organization, and overall atmosphere.

Modernization and highlighted services
LAX terminals, undergoing constant renovation, have improved in recent years with the addition of more dining options, luxury stores, and rest areas. Travelers appreciate the variety of options to grab a quick bite or relax before their flight. Additionally, VIP lounges like the Delta Sky Club or Admirals Club are a highlight for those seeking extra comfort during their wait.

Challenges in organization and signage
One of the most mentioned points by passengers is the lack of clear signage for moving between terminals or accessing services such as ground transportation and international connections. Although a bus system connects the terminals, some travelers find that wait times and a lack of information cause frustration, especially during peak hours. This can be a significant inconvenience for those with tight connections or heavy luggage.

Distances and wait times
The size of LAX and the distances between terminals present a challenge for many passengers, particularly for those with reduced mobility or international flights with connections. Prolonged walks of up to 20 minutes between certain areas are common. Moreover, congestion at security and immigration checkpoints can extend wait times, making it essential to arrive well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Comforts and areas for improvement
While Wi-Fi, charging stations, and restrooms generally meet expectations, some passengers have noted the need for more frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas. Experiences with staff vary, ranging from positive comments on the friendliness of some employees to criticisms of the lack of attention during critical moments, such as resolving issues with luggage or transportation.

A balanced perspective
Despite the challenges, many passengers highlight LAX's importance as a gateway to the United States and its key role in connecting destinations worldwide. The experience can vary widely depending on the terminal, airline, and flight schedule. Planning ahead, knowing the location of services, and using tools like mobile apps can make a significant difference in having a smoother experience at the airport.

With these perspectives in mind, we invite you to explore the services of each terminal in detail and prepare your visit to LAX with accurate and useful information.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1, along with Terminals 2 and 3, forms part of the so-called North Terminals. It mainly handles domestic flights and is the base of operations for Southwest Airlines.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters. Processes domestic and international flights. Passengers on the latter will be transferred by shuttle bus to Terminal B. Boarding gates 9 to 18B. SEE AIRLINES

Services
- Fast food, cafes, restaurants, stores
- Family restrooms
- Wi-Fi
- Shoeshine
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- TSA pre-screening
- Volunteer assistance

Terminal 2

Terminal 2, along with Terminals 1 and 3, is also part of the North Terminals. Terminals 2 and 3 now function as a unified complex operated by Delta Air Lines. Passengers enter through a central facility (Headhouse) where check-in and security screening are centralized. The departure gates for this terminal have been merged with those of Terminal 3, using a shared security checkpoint and baggage claim area.

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, shops
- Family restrooms
- Wi-Fi
- Baggage carts
- TSA PreCheck
- Volunteer assistance

Terminal 3

Terminal 3, along with Terminals 1 and 2, is part of the North Terminals.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters, TSA security screening, gates 30A through 38.

Services
- Family restrooms
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- TSA PreCheck
- Volunteer assistance
- VIP lounges

Terminal 4

Image from Youtube 

It is one of American Airlines’ operational hubs and has a direct connection to the departures level of the Tom Bradley Terminal.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters, gates 40 through 49.

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, and shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- Volunteer assistance
- VIP lounges

Terminal 5

Used by multiple airlines, it offers a post-security connector to Terminals 4 and 6.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters, gates 50 through 59. SEE AIRLINES

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, duty-free shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- Volunteer assistance
- VIP lounges

Terminal 6

Hosts a mix of domestic and international airlines, notably Alaska Airlines and Air Canada.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters, gates 60 through 69. SEE AIRLINES

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, and shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- VIP lounges

Terminal 7

Along with Terminal 8, it is dedicated almost exclusively to United Airlines and United Express operations.

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim. Access to transportation options.

Departures Level
Check-in counters and gates 70 through 88. SEE AIRLINES

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- Volunteer assistance
- VIP lounges

Terminal 8

Levels

Arrivals Level
Baggage claim and access to ground transportation options: cabs, shared shuttle vans, FlyAway services, hotel transfers, LAX Shuttle, rental car transportation, transfer to private parking lots.

Departures Level
Check-in counters. Gates 70 through 86. SEE AIRLINES

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- Volunteer assistance

Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal)

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi - Unsplash

It is the main international terminal and the most iconic building at LAX. It includes the recently opened “West Gates” section.

Levels

Level 1
Arrivals and baggage claim area (belts A, B and C). Outside this level, you will also find different ground transportation options: buses, shuttle vans, cabs, LAX Shuttle, car rental shuttles.

Level 3
Check-in counters. SEE AIRLINES

Level 4
Boarding and TSA passenger screening. Gates 130 through 225, distributed across the North Concourse (gates 130–146), Great Hall (gate 148), the South Concourse (gates 150–159), and the West Gates (gates 201A–225). Most of the terminal’s services, retail shops, and dining venues are also located here.

Mezzanine Level 5
Airline lounges.

Mezzanine Level 6
Star Alliance and Emirates lounges.

Services
- Fast food, cafés, restaurants, shops
- Duty Free
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Family restrooms
- Shoeshine service
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Baggage carts
- Children’s play area
- Nursing room
- Volunteer assistance
- VIP lounges
- Interactive visitor centers