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Arrivals at Los Angeles International Airport
Today’s arrival flight status at LAX
Check delays or cancellations and the terminal where the flight lands.
Information is provided by third parties and may change without prior notice. la-lax.com is not responsible for any error, change or omission in the data displayed.
Interactive LAX map and meeting point
Tap the map to mark a meeting point and share it by link. Layers show terminals, parking, gates, food and coffee, restrooms and ATMs.
Quick questions when you arrive at LAX
Can Uber, Lyft or taxis pick me up at the terminal?
No, standard rides pick up at the LAX-it lot, next to Terminal 1. Take the free shuttle from the green LAX-it signs or walk about 15 minutes. Taxis also wait in Parking Structure 3 and at the end of Terminal 7. See taxis and ride apps.
Where can someone pick me up by car?
At the outer curb of the Lower/Arrivals Level, outside baggage claim. While they wait, drivers can use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lots. In the central garages only the first 10 minutes are free.
How do I get to my rental car?
On the shared shuttle to the LAX Rental Car Center, from the purple "Rental Car Shuttles" signs on the islands of the Lower/Arrivals Level. See car rental.
Are Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control available?
Yes. LAX has Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control and Enrollment on Arrival for Global Entry applicants.
Do I need to collect my bags on a connection?
Yes, if you arrive from abroad and continue on a domestic flight: you collect them, clear customs and recheck them. On international-to-international transit, bags are usually tagged to your final destination unless your airline tells you otherwise.
Arriving at LAX: critical points
Leaving the airport
User experience:
- Ground transportation is the most criticized part of arriving at LAX: the shuttles to LAX-it and to the rental car center can take 30 to 45 minutes at peak times.
- Many travelers find the signs to the right shuttle confusing and some take the wrong bus.
- Rental car customers report that the full process, from the curb to driving away, can take more than an hour.
Strategy: Decide before landing how you will leave (taxi, app, FlyAway, private transfer or rental car) and go straight to its sign: green for LAX-it, purple for rental cars, blue for FlyAway, orange for shared rides.
Immigration and baggage
User experience:
- Immigration can be fast (under 10 minutes) or very slow (over an hour) depending on how many international flights land at the same time, especially in the evening.
- Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control users report much shorter lines.
- Walks from the gate to baggage claim can take 15 minutes, and bags sometimes take another 20 minutes to arrive.
Strategy: If you are eligible, complete Mobile Passport Control on your phone before reaching immigration. With a tight connection, ask your airline whether your bags are checked through.
Arriving at LAX: pros and cons
- Pros:
- Organized immigration: when lines move, the process feels efficient, and Global Entry helps a lot.
- Many transport options: FlyAway, taxis, ride apps, shuttles, Metro and rental cars.
- Contras:
- No curbside rides: Uber, Lyft and taxis require a trip to LAX-it.
- Long waits: shuttles and immigration can be slow at peak times.
- Signage: finding the right shuttle among so many is confusing after a long flight.
Recommendations after arriving at LAX
Hand luggage
Before leaving the cabin, check the seat pocket, tray table and overhead bin: many passengers forget phones or documents.
Connecting flights
If you arrive from another country and continue on a domestic flight, you must clear immigration, collect your checked bags, go through customs and drop them again. If your final destination is outside the United States, you generally do not need to collect your bags. See how to move between terminals.
Checked baggage
If LAX is your final destination, find the carousel assigned to your flight; several flights may share one. If your bag does not arrive, go to your airline’s counter.
Immigration
Follow the signs to immigration. Have your passport, visa if applicable and accommodation address ready. Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control are available at LAX and usually shorten the wait.
Picking up passengers
Passengers are picked up at the outer curb of the Lower/Arrivals Level, outside baggage claim. Drivers can wait for free in the Cell Phone Waiting Lots until the passenger calls. Parking in the central garages, including Parking Structure 3 for Terminal B, is free only for the first 10 minutes; after that the garage rate applies.
Public arrivals area
If you booked a private driver, they will usually hold a sign with your name. Do not get into unauthorized taxis offered by strangers. Recommended options:
Hotels near the airport
Hotel shuttles pick up on the Upper/Departures Level, at the red columns. Compare options on Booking.com.
Frequently asked questions
For more questions, see the FAQs.
Photo by Lukas Sousa – Unsplash
