Jazmin Li
If you're flying out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), it's important to plan your arrival time to ensure a smooth check-in process. While each airline has its own policies, most recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This is especially crucial during LAX's peak travel periods, which are 6:30 am to 9:00 am for domestic flights and 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm for both domestic and international flights. During these times, passengers should anticipate longer wait times for ticketing, baggage check-in, and security screening. It's also worth noting that most airlines stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes before takeoff, so it's always better to arrive early to avoid any last-minute rushes or unexpected delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early can you check bags? | At least 3 hours before the flight departure time. |
| How early should you arrive at the airport? | At least 2 hours before the flight departure time. |
| How early can you check in online? | 24 hours before the flight and up to 45 minutes prior to departure (90 minutes for international flights). |
| How early can you check in at the counter? | Depends on the airline. Some counters open 3-4 hours before the flight. |
| How early can you drop off your luggage? | Some storage facilities are available less than 2 miles from the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended arrival time for checking bags
The recommended arrival time for checking bags at LAX varies depending on the time of your flight and whether your flight is domestic or international. Most airlines stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes before takeoff, so it is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time. However, some sources suggest arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours early, especially if you are travelling during peak hours (6:30 am to 9:00 am for domestic flights, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm for domestic and international flights).
It is important to note that individual airlines have different policies regarding check-in times and counter opening times. For airlines that only have a few flights out of LAX each day, their counters may open 3 to 4 hours before a scheduled flight. It is recommended to check with your airline directly to confirm their specific policies and recommendations for arrival and check-in times.
Additionally, it is advised to plan for potential traffic delays when travelling to the airport, especially during peak hours or when there are special events taking place in the city. Considering these factors, it may be prudent to allocate even more time than you initially anticipate needing.
To speed up the check-in process, you can use curbside check-in or self-service kiosks at the airport. You can also check in online or via an app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes (or 90 minutes for international flights) before your flight. However, if you have check-in luggage, you will still need to go to the counters to weigh and tag your bags, and for staff to check your travel documents.
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Check-in counter opening times
Most airlines stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes before takeoff, and passengers without checked bags must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure. However, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their domestic flight and three hours before their international flight.
For airlines that only have a few flights out of LAX per day, their counters may open three to four hours before the scheduled flight. It is recommended that passengers call their airline to confirm their flight and receive recommendations on arrival time.
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Baggage storage options
LAX Airport does not provide traditional luggage storage facilities or lockers. However, there are several other options for storing your luggage near the airport.
Stasher
Stasher is a luggage storage service with numerous locations near LAX Airport. Stasher offers 24-hour access, insurance, and competitive pricing starting at $4.99 per day. You can book online and choose from various nearby locations to store your bags.
LAX Luggage Storage
LAX Luggage Storage provides short-term and long-term luggage storage solutions. They can be reached at 310-670-4186, and their address is 8622 Bellanca Avenue, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90045. They offer a pick-up and delivery service, and are located just 5 minutes away from the airport.
Hotels
According to a Reddit user, you can go to any hotel and pay $20 in cash to store your luggage, even if you are not a guest.
Rental Cars
Rental car companies operate out of LAX, with vehicle rental sites located off-airport. You can contact the rental car company of your choice using the Ground Transportation Telephone Boards in the baggage claim areas of each terminal to arrange for pick-up.
It is recommended that you call your airline to confirm your flight and receive recommendations on when to arrive at the airport, as flight schedules vary throughout the day and additional time may be required during peak travel periods. Generally, baggage must be checked in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time, and bags will not be accepted more than 6 hours prior to departure.
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Peak travel periods
While specific airline policies vary, most recommend that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their domestic flight's departure time. This is to ensure they can check their bags and complete any necessary security checks. For international flights, some airlines recommend arriving three hours in advance.
Most airlines stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes before takeoff. However, it is always better to arrive earlier than this cut-off time, as lines at LAX can be unpredictable and lengthy. Some travellers recommend arriving at the airport two hours before a domestic flight to account for potential delays.
Traffic can also impact how early you need to arrive at the airport. Even during the early morning, a single accident on a major expressway can cause significant delays. Therefore, it is essential to plan and allow extra time to reach the airport and navigate the check-in process during peak travel periods.
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Transport options to LAX
There are several transport options for getting to LAX, including public transport, shuttle services, rental cars, and private vehicles.
Public Transport
Several public transit providers serve LAX, including LA Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit, and Beach Cities Transit. Passengers can pick up many bus lines from the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Free shuttle bus services are provided between Los Angeles International Airport terminals and public transit stations. The "E" Shuttle connects to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Center, where passengers can board city buses serving Los Angeles.
Shuttle Services
The FlyAway nonstop bus service provides transportation between LAX and Union Station and Van Nuys. The bus drops off passengers on the Upper/Departures Level of each terminal, and passengers can board on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway sign. One-way fares are $9.75 each.
Prime Time Shuttle also offers efficient and affordable shuttle services to and from Los Angeles Airport.
Many major airport-area hotels also provide courtesy transportation from LAX terminals. Stops for these shuttles are located on the Upper/Departures Level, identified by red curbside pylons.
Rental Cars
Approximately 40 rental car companies operate out of LAX, with vehicle rental sites located off-airport. These companies meet arriving customers under the purple "Rental Car Shuttles" sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim.
Private Vehicles
Private vehicles can drop off passengers at the terminals on the upper level/departures area. Passengers can be picked up on the outer curb on the lower level/arrivals level outside of baggage claim. LAX provides extensive parking options in the Central Terminal Area, with covered parking available across from the airline terminals. Due to enhanced security measures, only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond security screening at LAX.
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Frequently asked questions
Baggage must be checked at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. However, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your departure.
The time it takes to check in at LAX will vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel periods (6:30 am to 9:00 am for domestic flights, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm for international flights), you should expect longer wait times.
Bags will not be accepted at LAX more than 6 hours before the scheduled departure time.
