Lax how early should i be at the airport before a flight

LAX staff will be available at each shuttle stop to help with wayfinding, questions, luggage loading and assistance for guests with disabilities.

Wait by the green LAX-it bus stop signs. LAX is open 24 hours. Airline check-in counters and federal passenger security screening are open between 4 a.

There are nine passenger terminals at LAX, connected by a U-shaped, two-level roadway. Inter-terminal connections between Tom Bradley and Terminals are all connected by walkway, allowing connecting passengers to access the above mentioned terminals without having to re-clear security.

Currently, Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and between them require passengers to exit security, then walk or use a shuttle-bus to get to the other terminal, then re-clear security.

A few LAX terminals provide airside connections, which allow connecting passengers to access other terminals without having to re-clear through security. The West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, a stunning addition to the world-famous international terminal opened in May with 15 gates delivers a modern guest experience with cutting-edge technology, stunning architecture, a checked-bag storage system, biometric boarding gates and the latest amenities for travelers.

Tom Bradley International Terminal hosts most of the major international airlines, with the exception of those housed in Terminal 2. Search Query Show Search. Stay Connected. Keep up with LAist Our top stories delivered weeknights. Share This Facebook Twitter. By Olivia Richard. Published Jun 30, PM. Want to start an argument? Tell your travel companion you won't be arriving two hours before your flight. This is the time of year when emptier airport terminals are making a lot of passengers question the conventional wisdom about check-in times.

And no, this isn't a frivolous, first-world problem. Vacations have been ruined because of it. Marriages have ended. So let's settle this question once and for all. The simple answer is: Two hours for domestic flights, three hours for international flights.

More or less. And during busy holiday periods or special events, the airport may recommend adding even more time.

How "standard" is this advice? The Transportation Security Administration agrees with it, but airlines don't. For instance, American Airlines advises passengers to be at the airport two hours before flight time for international departures and 90 minutes for domestic flights.

Is it a busy time of year? Is it a busy time of day? Do you have access to faster lines because of mileage status, first-class tickets , or pre-screening? Are you traveling with a family of five? What would it cost if you missed your flight?

You may need to read the fare rules associated with your ticket to determine this. Below are some general rules of thumb to ensure you always know how early to arrive at the airport—and that you never need to make a mad dash through the terminal to catch your flight again.

If you have no bags to check, you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck , or you're able to check in online and acquire your boarding pass on your own, however, you can arrive 90 minutes before your flight's departure time.

Check-in time at larger air hubs can take 45 minutes to an hour, according to a Delta analysis of U. For smaller airports, Delta advises leaving 45 minutes for check-in procedures, and notes that you must complete check in by 30 minutes before your flight's departure.