BREAK FREE FROM TRAVEL STRESS AT LAX: ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY AND PRO TIPS FOR A SMOOTH JULY FOURTH JOURNEY

Navigate LAX with ease and embark on your Independence Day weekend journey with our expert tips and updated information for a stress-free travel experience this summer.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) anticipates a busy Fourth of July holiday, with increased passenger and vehicle traffic expected through July 13. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) projects over 18.5 million travelers nationwide during the July 1-7 period, with the peak day expected to be Sunday, July 6, when approximately 2.9 million passengers will travel across the country. LAX estimates over 1.8 million passengers will pass through its terminals from Monday, June 30 to Monday, July 7, with Sunday, July 6 emerging as the busiest single day, with nearly 247,000 passengers. This sustained higher volume of passenger activity is expected to continue through Labor Day weekend.  
 
"With The Fourth of July right around the corner, LAX is expecting one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said Doug Webster, Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer at Los Angeles World Airports. "Domestic travel to other hub cities remains strong, while internationally, top destinations include Vancouver, London and Mexico. Our team is fully prepared to ensure passengers have a smooth and safe journey as they head out to celebrate with family and friends.”  
 
With higher passenger and vehicle traffic anticipated throughout summer, LAX offers practical travel tips and highlights new technologies to reduce stress, and ensure a smooth start to summer adventures.  

1. Allow at least two hours before departure time
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world. More passengers start or end their journeys here than at almost any other airport. While two hours may seem excessive, this will allow enough time to arrive, check any bags, proceed through security, and navigate to the boarding gate. If traveling internationally, LAX recommends arriving three hours early.  

2. Pre-book parking
Parking at the airport is in high demand, with parking facilities expected to reach capacity on the busiest travel days. Visit parking.flylax.com for the best rates and to reserve parking ahead of time. Parking options may include discounts from the drive-up rates, depending on availability and demand.  Guests who pre-book their parking between June 30 and July 6, and use the promo code USA25 will receive the following discounts: 

• 25% off P1 general
• 15% off budget, economy, P7 general, P1 premium, and P1 valet
• 10% off P7 valet

3. Consider public transportation
The newly opened LAX/Metro Transit Center (MTC) Station provides direct rail connections to LAX via Metro's C and K lines. While progress on the future Automated People Mover train continues, LAX is providing a free shuttle service to and from the MTC, with stops at each terminal on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Look for the post marked “LAX Shuttles” in pink.  

Transit, taxi, rideshare and other ground transportation information can be found here.

4. Plan ahead before arriving  
Check the status of a flight before arriving at the airport. If the reservation allows, utilize online check-in options.  

Picking someone up? Check the status and arrival terminal of the flight before heading to the airport. LAX provides real-time traffic and parking information via the automated @FlyLAXstats X.    

Curbside pickup and drop off is permitted on the Upper/Departures and Lower/Arrivals levels. All parking structures are free for the first 15 minutes.  

Two cell phone waiting lots are open for drivers to wait in their vehicles until passengers are ready to be picked up from the terminal curb. This helps reduce traffic volume around the Central Terminal Area. The two lots are located at 96th Street & Alverstone Avenue and 96th Street & Vicksburg Avenue. A helpful video on how to access these areas can be found here.    

5. Navigate TSA checkpoints like a pro  
For a more efficient experience, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration's TSA PreCheck® or other trusted-traveler programs, such as U.S. Customs & Border Protection's Global Entry.  

Remember the 3-1-1 liquids rule: pack liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in checked luggage. Travelers need to "Prepare, Pack, Declare" when flying with firearms, which must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only.

REAL ID  
Since TSA began full REAL ID enforcement on May 7, nearly 94% of passengers are presenting compliant identification. Travelers must present REAL ID-compliant identification or an acceptable alternative (such as a passport) to proceed through TSA security checkpoints.  

6. Get a head start on vacation: Try a new concession option and take advantage of concession promotions
All LAX terminals are completely connected post-security and can be accessed by ticketed passengers. Guests can now take advantage of all LAX's concessions, regardless of their assigned departure or arrival terminal.  
 
New retail options include the recently opened 7-Eleven location in Terminal 1's arrivals level, offering signature coffee, grab-and-go food, snacks and travel essentials for passengers, employees, and friends and family meeting travelers at the airport.  Skip the line at participating concessions by placing an order through LAXshopdine.com. Enjoy 20% off all mobile orders from June 27-July 7 using promotional code LAXSUMMER25.  

Step into Summer: Spend $75 or more at participating retailers in Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6 and Tom Bradley International, and receive LAX-themed flip flops (while supplies last).

For guests looking for a space to work, LAX continues modernizing its terminal facilities to meet the needs of the business-leisure traveler. Most terminals feature areas with workspaces, access to power outlets and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to confidently complete any business obligations while waiting for their flight.  

7. Find relaxation amidst the movement of travel
LAX offers a range of unique amenities to enhance the passenger experience, such as the Gameway arcade in Terminals 3 and 6, providing entertainment with classic and modern games.  

LAX's Art Program showcases the diverse talents of local and regional artists through presentations of over 20 temporary and 10 permanent installations across the airport. These artistic expressions enrich the physical spaces of the terminals, while embodying the vibrant cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. As travelers embark on their journeys or return home, they are invited to pause, reflect and engage with the stories and creativity present in each work.    

The LAX PUPs Program offers a unique form of comfort and airport information. Therapy dogs and their handlers roam the departure levels in the gate areas of each terminal, greeting passengers awaiting flights. This interaction can provide a soothing, stress-relieving experience for anxious travelers.    

Musically-inclined guests can enjoy playing Kawai pianos available in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (near gate 201A) and Terminal 7 (beyond the TSA checkpoint).  

8. Streamline arrival into the U.S. 
Don't Pack a Pest! Travelers are reminded not to bring fruits, vegetables or meat products that could spread harmful pests like invasive fruit flies. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, urges travelers to declare any plants or produce for inspection to prevent the introduction of invasive species that can damage California's agricultural industries.  

*New* Enhanced Passenger Processing  
LAX has become the first large-scale airport in the country to deploy Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) technology in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Since its launch at select airports, the system has delivered a 25% reduction in wait times for U.S. citizens, and reduced maximum wait times for non-U.S. citizens from over 50 minutes to below 35 minutes. This touchless, biometric verification process automatically processes U.S. citizens with no enforcement concerns, maintaining high security standards while improving efficiency.  

9. Pro tools at your fingertips:

LAX Main Site - Flight, parking and terminal maps and information
Parking Reservations and Information
FlyLAX Stats - Realtime Parking and Traffic Information
Dining and Concessions
Lost and Found
AskLAX (Virtual Assistant)
LAX Helpline
Construction Hotline