Surviving LAX: The Ultimate Guide

Los Angeles airport, better known as LAX, is one of the busiest in the United States. Visiting this gigantic transportation hub isn’t many people's idea of a good time, but if you're planning a trip to LA, it may well turn out to be a necessity.

Luckily, there are a few ways to make your visit to LAX more manageable. One of the best ways is to drop off your unneeded bags at an LAX luggage storage. Traveling light will make it far easier to navigate your way through the sprawling airport.

With a little forward planning, some patience, and a positive attitude, you can survive and even thrive at LAX. Check out this guide to LA's biggest airport to make your trip easier.

Getting There

LA isn't a city that is necessarily known for having great public transport infrastructure. However, LAX is connected to downtown LA by a bus route. You'll need to take the shuttle bus from LAX City Bus Center or a shuttle bus to the Green Line Metro, which will take you to Seventh Street. There's also the FlyAway bus, which leaves from Union Station in downtown LA and goes straight to LAX. Although this option is more expensive at just under $10, it is a convenient way to get to and from the airport without hassle.

Amenities

LAX offers a wide range of amenities to make your stay more comfortable. If you need to do some work while you're at the airport, there are plenty of places to set up your laptop. The Tom Bradley International Terminal has a business center with all the facilities you need, including meeting rooms, photocopiers, and printers.

For those who need to relax after a long flight, several spas are located at LAX. The XpresSpa offers massages, manicures, and pedicures, while the Bliss Spa has a range of treatments on offer, including facials and body scrubs.

If you're traveling with young children, there are also many play areas dotted around the airport.

Navigating Your Way Around

LAX is a large airport, and it can be tricky to navigate your way around. If you're not familiar with the layout, it's worth taking some time to explore before your flight. One of the best ways to orient yourself is to pick up a map from one of the information desks. This will help you to identify which terminal you need to go to for your flight.

Once you've checked in, make sure you leave plenty of time to get through security. LAX is notorious for having long lines, so it's worth getting there early. Once you're through security, your next challenge will be finding your gate. Again, a map will come in handy here. Alternatively, you can use the airport's digital signage system, which will tell you which gate you need to go to.

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Making the Most of Your Time

If you find yourself with some time to kill at LAX, there are plenty of things to do to pass the time. If you're a fan of shopping, there are shops to browse, selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.

Stop by America! If you need some US-themed attire or kitschy items to take home with you. It’s a popular store with two different locations in the airport. If you prefer your shopping on the higher end, of course, LAX has you covered. You can browse the likes of Michael Kors, Coach, and Burberry while you wait for your flight.

Alternatively, if you're looking for something more cultural, LAX has a number of art galleries and museums. There are also several art galleries located in Terminal 5, showcasing the work of local artists.

Dining

LAX is home to a number of different restaurants, so you'll be able to find something to suit your taste. If you're looking for something quick and easy, fast food options are available. McDonald's, Starbucks, and Dunkin' Donuts are all located at the airport.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, there are also several sit-down restaurants. The Real Food Company serves up healthy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Or, if you're in the mood for Mexican food, head to Tortas Frontera for some delicious tacos. In this gigantic airport, there are so many places to eat you should be able to find something no matter what you're into. Vegetarian and even vegan options are available, and just about every dietary preference you can imagine can be catered to here.

Drinking

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LAX is also home to many bars, so you can enjoy a drink before your flight. If you're looking for a quick caffeine fix, there are plenty of coffee shops located around the airport. Starbucks is one of the most popular options, but there are also several independent cafes serving up delicious coffee.

If you're looking for something stronger, there are several bars located in the airport. The Terminal 5 Bar is a great place to enjoy a pre-flight drink, and they also have a selection of snacks if you're feeling peckish. The Los Angeles Brewing Company is another good option, serving a range of local beers.