Friday is expected to be the busiest travel day of the Labor Day weekend at Los Angeles International Airport, with around 230,000 people flying in and out for the unofficial final days of summer.
According to a spokesperson at Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX, the airport is ready to handle an expected average of 194,000 passengers each day of the 10-day Labor Day travel period, which extends through Wednesday.
Volume will remain high through Labor Day on Monday, officials said, adding that overall holiday passenger volume is comparable to last year.
The Automobile Association of America, ranks L.A. among its top 10 domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend.
“Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for much of the country, but in Los Angeles, visitors can continue to enjoy many of the experiences that define summer year-round,” said Courtney Moore, LAWA’s chief Revenue & Experience officer. “This year, LAX connected travelers to more of the world than ever, strengthening our role as the gateway to the creative capital of the world. As we continue transforming the airport to better showcase everything Los Angeles has to offer, our teams are ready to welcome travelers and provide a memorable holiday travel experience.”
For a smoother trip through LAX and other area airports, LAWA offered some tips, the most important being allowing at least two hours before departure.
“For international travel, LAX recommends arriving three hours early,” officials said.
The airport is undergoing a multi-billion dollar modernization program with construction activities in the Tom Bradleyy International Terminal, Terminal 4 and the future Terminal 5.
“Travelers should expect detours and longer shuttle times, allow extra time and follow wayfinding signage,” officials advised.
An interactive map can be viewed at www.flylax.com/map.
Other tips include visiting parking.flylax.com to find the best options and to reserve a space as airport parking is and will remain in high demand, and using public transportation if possible.
There are two cell phone waiting lots — at 6217 W. 96th St. and 5800 W. Century Blvd. — where drivers can remain while awaiting arriving passengers.
“As a general rule, passengers typically reach the curb about 15 minutes after landing if they have no checked bags, 30 minutes if they checked bags and 45 minutes for international arrivals,” officials said.