Roberta Aguirre
When travelling to Los Angeles, it is common to wonder whether to fly into Burbank or LAX. While both airports are convenient for travellers, they have distinct differences. Burbank is a smaller airport, which means it is less crowded and quicker to get in and out of, especially at TSA. On the other hand, LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded, which can lead to delays in landing due to air traffic. While Burbank tends to be more expensive, it offers cheaper long-term parking and car rentals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flight prices | Similar |
| Flight options | Fewer options at Burbank |
| Convenience | Burbank is less stressful, quicker, and closer to Hollywood |
| Crowds | Burbank is less crowded |
| Rental cars | Cheaper at Burbank |
| Parking | Cheaper at Burbank |
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What You'll Learn
- Burbank Airport is less stressful and quicker to get to than LAX
- LAX has more flight options and is better for schedule-based travel
- Burbank has cheaper car rentals and long-term parking
- LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded
- Burbank is a small airport that is rarely crowded
Burbank Airport is less stressful and quicker to get to than LAX
While Burbank Airport is generally considered to be more expensive than LAX, it is also quicker to get to and less stressful. Burbank Airport is much smaller than LAX, which is one of the largest airports in the world, and is therefore less crowded and quicker to get in and out of, especially at TSA. Burbank is also much closer to Hollywood than LAX, which is an important consideration for those travelling to that area.
One source states that it takes 40 minutes to get from arrival to the gate at Burbank, whereas it takes three hours at LAX. Another source states that it took them 20 minutes to get to the vicinity of LAX and another 20 minutes to go the final 200 yards. This is due to the size of the airport and the resulting long walks to baggage claim. Burbank Airport also has a quicker deplaning process, as passengers can exit via the forward and aft doors simultaneously, whereas at LAX, passengers exit via the forward door only.
In addition, all of the car rental offices at Burbank Airport are in one place, in a parking structure that can be reached via an elevated walkway. At LAX, the car rental offices are off-site, requiring passengers to wait for a free shuttle bus and then ride around the airport, stopping up to eight more times, before heading to the off-site car rental lot.
Therefore, while Burbank Airport may be more expensive, it is also quicker to get to and less stressful than LAX, especially for those travelling to the Hollywood area.
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LAX has more flight options and is better for schedule-based travel
While Burbank Airport is known for its convenience and ease of access, LAX stands out for its extensive flight options and schedule flexibility. If you're planning a trip that requires strict adherence to a schedule, LAX is likely the better choice. Here's why:
More Flight Options
LAX, as one of the largest airports in the world, offers a vast array of flight options to travellers. It serves as a hub for many airlines, providing direct flights to numerous destinations worldwide. This abundance of choices means you can find flights that align with your schedule more easily. Whether you need a last-minute booking or a specific departure time, LAX's higher volume of flights increases the chances of finding one that suits your needs.
Schedule Reliability
The sheer size of LAX and its high volume of flights contribute to its schedule reliability. With more flights to choose from, you're less likely to encounter significant delays or cancellations that could disrupt your travel plans. While Burbank offers convenience, its smaller size also means fewer flights, potentially impacting your schedule if issues arise. LAX's greater capacity helps ensure that even if one flight is delayed or cancelled, there are plenty of other options to get you to your destination on time.
Efficient Connections
The frequency of flights at LAX means that connecting flights are more readily available. If you have a tight schedule or a specific timeline to adhere to, the ability to quickly connect to another flight can be invaluable. This efficiency in connections adds to the overall reliability of your travel plans, reducing the chances of lengthy delays or missed connections.
Alternative Transportation
In the event that your flight is delayed or cancelled, LAX's location provides a range of alternative transportation options. Its proximity to other transportation hubs, such as the Van Nuys Flyaway, offers flexibility if you need to make last-minute changes to your travel plans. This can be especially useful if you need to reach your destination by a certain time, providing backup options that Burbank's smaller airport may lack.
Bottom Line
While Burbank Airport has its advantages, LAX shines when it comes to schedule-based travel. With more flight options, increased schedule reliability, efficient connections, and alternative transportation choices, LAX provides greater peace of mind for travellers who need to adhere to a specific timeline. If your trip requires precise scheduling, LAX is the better choice to ensure you get where you need to go, when you need to be there.
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Burbank has cheaper car rentals and long-term parking
When it comes to choosing between Burbank Airport and LAX, there are several factors to consider, including convenience, cost, and accessibility. While Burbank is generally regarded as a more pleasant and less crowded airport, LAX offers a wider range of flight options and can be more convenient for certain destinations. However, one significant advantage of Burbank Airport is the availability of cheaper car rentals and long-term parking options.
For travellers who require a rental car during their stay in Los Angeles, choosing Burbank Airport can result in significant savings. According to a traveller on Fodor's Travel Talk Forums, car rentals at Burbank Airport were found to be notably less expensive than at LAX. Additionally, all the car rental offices at Burbank Airport are conveniently located in one place, making it easier and faster for travellers to pick up their vehicles. In contrast, the car rental offices at LAX are off-site, requiring travellers to wait for a shuttle bus and ride around the airport before reaching their desired rental car lot.
The cost difference between the two airports extends beyond car rentals. Long-term parking at Burbank Airport is known to be more affordable than at LAX. For travellers who need to leave their cars at the airport for extended periods, choosing Burbank can result in substantial savings. This is especially advantageous for those who live closer to Burbank Airport and can easily access it without dealing with the notorious traffic associated with LAX.
Another factor to consider is the overall airport experience. Burbank Airport is smaller and less crowded than LAX, making it easier to navigate. The lack of crowds means travellers can move through security, gates, and baggage claim more efficiently. Additionally, Burbank Airport offers the convenience of deplaning through both forward and aft doors, reducing the time it takes to get off the plane compared to LAX, where deplaning occurs only through the forward door.
While price and convenience are essential factors, it's worth noting that flight availability and schedules also play a role in the decision-making process. LAX offers more flights and direct connections to various destinations, which may be a deciding factor for travellers who prioritize getting to their destination quickly and efficiently. However, for those who value cost-effectiveness and convenience in car rentals and long-term parking, Burbank Airport is a more attractive option.
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LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded
LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is almost always crowded. Its sheer size means that there is a lot of ground to cover when trying to get to your gate, with long walks to baggage claim. The airport is also undergoing constant remodelling, which can make it feel even more crowded and hectic. The construction work means that some things are not well-signalled, and it can be confusing to navigate. For example, some airlines require you to platform 9 and 3/4, and the car rental offices are off-site, requiring passengers to wait for a shuttle bus. All of these factors can add to the feeling of congestion and chaos at LAX.
In contrast, Burbank Airport is a much smaller and more intimate airport. It is described as "quicker to get in and out of" and less stressful than LAX. Burbank is especially convenient for those travelling to and from Hollywood, as it is closer and generally quicker to drive to than LAX. However, Burbank does not have as many flight options as LAX, and flights may be more expensive.
Despite the potential for crowds and delays at LAX, some travellers prefer it due to the greater number of flight options available. LAX offers more direct flights to various destinations, whereas flights from Burbank may involve layovers or stopovers. Additionally, for those travelling by car, LAX provides the convenience of on-site car parking, although traffic can be a significant consideration when choosing between the two airports.
Overall, while LAX is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, with the potential for long crowds and delays, it offers a wider range of flight options and can be more convenient for certain travellers. Burbank Airport, on the other hand, provides a more intimate and less crowded experience, but with limited flight options and potentially higher prices. The decision between the two airports depends on individual preferences and travel needs.
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Burbank is a small airport that is rarely crowded
While there are conflicting opinions on whether Burbank Airport or LAX is the better option, one thing is for sure: Burbank is a small airport that is rarely crowded.
One source states that Burbank is a small airport that is ""almost never crowded". In comparison, LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded. Even when it is crowded, it takes only 40 minutes to get from your arrival to your gate at Burbank, whereas at LAX, it can take up to 3 hours. Another source states that Burbank is a "very, VERY easy airport", whereas LAX is not. This is echoed by several other sources, which describe Burbank as ""less stressful" and "quicker to get in and out of".
The small size of Burbank Airport is also advantageous when it comes to car rentals. At Burbank, all of the car rental offices are in one place, in a parking structure that can be reached via an elevated walkway. In contrast, at LAX, the car rental offices are off-site, meaning passengers have to wait for a shuttle bus and then ride around the airport, stopping up to 8 times, before heading to the off-site car rental lot.
In addition to being less crowded, Burbank Airport is also closer to Hollywood than LAX, making it a more convenient option for those travelling to that area.
Therefore, despite the fact that flights from Burbank may be more expensive and have fewer options, the airport itself is small and rarely crowded, making it a more pleasant experience for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Burbank Airport is generally more expensive than LAX, with fewer flight options. However, car rentals and long-term parking are cheaper at Burbank.
Burbank Airport is much closer to Hollywood than LAX and is a quicker drive.
Burbank Airport is a smaller airport and is almost never crowded. LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded.
Burbank Airport is easier to get to and is a very easy airport to navigate. LAX is currently under construction, which adds to the inconvenience.
LAX has a dozen flights a day to Wisconsin, all with one layover. Burbank has only one flight with one stop in Denver. LAX might be a better option if you want more flight options.
