Burbank Airport: Checked Luggage Allowed Or Not?

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located in Burbank, California, approximately 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport consists of two terminals, A and B, with 14 gates in total. While the airport does not have any private lounges, it offers a range of services and facilities, including dining options, retail shops, ATMs, baby care facilities, nursing pods, and pet relief areas. Regarding checked luggage, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth check-in process, particularly when travelling with bags. The airport's website and other online resources provide specific guidelines and recommendations for checked baggage, including weight and size restrictions, prohibited items, and applicable fees.

Checked luggage restrictions

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) allows checked luggage, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific restrictions on what can be packed in checked luggage. It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be prohibited if it triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns.

• Firearms: Firearms can only be transported in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided case, declared to the airline, and any ammunition is packed separately.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited to 5 litres (or 1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to quantity limitations.
• Aerosol Insecticides: These are prohibited in carry-on bags but are allowed in checked luggage as long as they are not labelled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
• Lithium Batteries: Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should preferably be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in checked baggage.
• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels: Any liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, or pastes must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit in a quart-sized bag. Larger containers should be packed in checked baggage.
• Duty-Free Liquids: Duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag can be carried in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces, but they must remain sealed and be accompanied by a receipt.
• Powerless Electronic Devices: Devices that cannot be powered on will not be permitted onboard the aircraft.

It is always recommended to check with the specific airline for any additional restrictions or size/weight limitations on checked luggage.

Check-in times

Hollywood Burbank Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least one hour before their flight is scheduled to depart. During peak holiday travel times, airlines recommend that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure.

For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at Burbank Airport at least two hours before your departure. This will provide ample time for check-in, security screening, and dealing with any potential delays, particularly during busy travel periods.

Online check-in is available 24 hours before your flight to streamline your airport experience. However, if you are travelling with young children or need special assistance, you may still need to check in at the airline counter.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least three hours before your flight's departure. This extra time accounts for additional procedures such as customs, immigration, and enhanced security protocols specific to international travel.

The average wait time to get through security ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, but this can vary depending on the time of day and the volume of travellers. During peak travel periods, such as early mornings, late afternoons, and holiday seasons, wait times may be longer due to increased passenger traffic. Conversely, during off-peak hours, you may experience shorter wait times.

To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Checking real-time security wait times via the airport's website or app can help you plan your arrival more effectively.

Peak hours occur in the early morning, from around 6:00 am to 9:00 am, and in the late afternoon to early evening, from about 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During these times, you may encounter longer lines at security, check-in counters, and concessions due to a higher volume of flights and passengers.

Off-peak hours are generally mid-morning and mid-afternoon, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. During these periods, the airport tends to be less crowded, resulting in shorter wait times at security checkpoints and more availability at services and amenities.

Online check-in

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located in Burbank, California, approximately 12 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport has two terminals, A and B, with 14 gates between them. It is served by seven commercial airlines: Alaska, American, Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and United.

For online check-in, passengers can use the Alaska Airlines mobile app to obtain their boarding pass. They can then proceed straight to security or use a bag tag station to print their bag tags. Passengers who are unable to obtain a boarding pass before arriving at the airport can see an agent for a paper version.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least one hour before their flight is scheduled to depart. During peak holiday travel times, airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before the scheduled departure.

In addition to online check-in, passengers can also take advantage of the airport's other amenities, such as complimentary services for passengers with disabilities, sharps disposal containers in all restrooms, and a variety of on-site services and dining options.

TSA PreCheck

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located in Burbank, California, and is known for its ease and convenience, especially when it comes to the quick-moving lines at its security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a program called TSA PreCheck to expedite the airport security process. Here's what you need to know about TSA PreCheck at Burbank Airport and beyond:

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

• Faster screening: About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
• Convenience: There's no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets during screening.
• Wide availability: More than 200 airports and 90+ airlines provide TSA PreCheck.
• Family-friendly: Children 12 and under can use the TSA PreCheck lane when travelling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on their boarding pass.

How to Enroll in TSA PreCheck

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process:

• Select an enrollment provider: Choose from options like Clear, IDEMIA, and Telos, considering cost, locations, and additional benefits.
• Submit your application: You can apply for TSA PreCheck online in as little as 5 minutes.
• Visit an enrollment location: Complete your enrollment in person, which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
• Get your Known Traveler Number (KTN): Once approved, you'll receive your KTN, which you can add to your airline reservations.

The cost of TSA PreCheck varies depending on the enrollment provider chosen:

• Clear: $77.95 for 5 years
• IDEMIA: $78 for 5 years ($58.75 online, $66.75 in-person)
• Telos: $85 for 5 years ($70 online or in-person)

You may also be able to get TSA PreCheck for free by using certain credit cards that offer reimbursement or allow you to use reward points.

Whether TSA PreCheck is worth it depends on your travel habits and preferences. If you travel frequently, especially for business, TSA PreCheck can save you significant time at the airport. It's also beneficial if you travel with a partner and both of you are enrolled. However, if you travel with someone who doesn't have TSA PreCheck, you'll need to meet them on the other side of security.

Airport parking

Hollywood Burbank Airport offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport's parking facilities are open 24/7 and have a maximum stay of 30 days.

Short-Term Parking

Short-term parking is available in the four-story parking structure located directly across from the terminal. This option is ideal for passengers who need to be picked up or dropped off at the terminal. Limousines can drop off passengers at the curb but must pick them up in the short-term parking structure. The short-term parking structure also has an electric vehicle charging station that accepts credit card payments.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is available in various self-park lots, including Lot C, Lot E, Lot F, and Lot G. These lots offer a ticketless parking option, where passengers can insert their credit card upon entry and exit without needing a physical ticket. The long-term parking facilities are open 24 hours a day and have a maximum allowable stay of 30 days.

Valet Parking

Hollywood Burbank Airport also offers valet parking services. This option includes the convenience of having your car washed while you travel. The daily rate for valet parking is $40, effective January 1, 2025.

Motorcycle Parking

Motorcycle parking is available in any of the surface parking lots, excluding the short-term parking structure. Motorcycles can park in any of the marked stalls and pay the posted rates for that lot.

Payment Options

All parking pay stations accept major credit cards, including American Express, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and Bank ATM debit cards. Cash payments can be made at the Cashier Booth.

Frequently asked questions