Los Angeles ( LAX) Airport Guide
from www.anyairportcarhire.com
SUMMARY
Los Angeles airport, commonly referred to as LAX airport, is the sixth busiest airport in the world. LAX is located in the suburb of Westchester 12 miles away from downtown LA. Amazingly the airport has nine different terminals which offer flights all over the world including Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and of course domestic flights within North America. As well as being a hub for four different airlines it is also a focus city for Air New Zealand, Virgin America, Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines. LAX also deals with huge volume of cargo traffic.
HISTORY
The site for Los Angeles airport was chosen in 1928 by the Los Angeles City Council. Back then was named Mines Field after the real estate agent who arranged the land purchase. Los Angeles airport got the X in its flight code in 1949 having previously been designated as LA. There is no reason why this letter was chosen. Over time the airport became bigger and bigger expanding West towards the coastline with the Pacific. Today it is only a short drive away from the famous Venice Beach. In 1958 plan was put together to redesign the airports but it did not come to fruition. However a ‘Theme Building’ from the modern design still remains. The first commercial flights in 1959 went from LAX to New York. By 1981 there was a massive airport expansion to coincide with the 1984 Summer Olympics and an international terminal was opened in honour of Mayor Tom Bradley.
DIRECTIONS
LAX airport is located just off Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) and Highway 42, near the intersection of Freeway 105 and Freeway 405. You should be aware that Highway 1 is also called Lincoln Boulevard to the north of the airport or Sepulveda Boulevard to the south of the airport.
If you are driving from Los Angeles you can take Freeway 405 south, and look for exits onto Freeway 105 west or Highway 42 while following signs to the airport. Traffic is heavy at peak times.
Use the following postcodes
for satellite navigation:
* Terminal 1: TW6 1AP
* Terminal 2: TW6 1EW
* Terminal 3: TW6 1QG
* Terminal 4: TW6 3XA
* Terminal 5: TW6 2GA |
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FACILITIES
LAX has incredible facilities across all nine terminals and there is a shuttlebus to make it easy to travel between them.
A project is currently being carried out at Tom Brady terminal to include 116,000 m2 of shops, restaurants, and passenger lounges, as well as new security facilities. For those who need to layover there are numerous hotels including the Hacienda Hotel and a Travel Lodge.
Business travellers are well catered to with access to computers and WiFi Internet.
If you need to get money there are ATMs and currency changing booths widely available.
The airport has excellent disabled facilities including ramps and disabled toilets. If you need to collect a bag from the airport there is now an international baggage service in place of the old electronic lockers.
The Tom Brady International terminal also has a first-aid station and there are AED medical stations across all nine terminals.
SHOPPING
There is an incredible amount of shopping available at LAX airport. Customers can choose from large chain or department stores as well as niche shops which are individual to the West Coast. Once you can buy sweets from famous local store See’s Candies or go to The Body Shop to buy your beauty products. There is also a huge range of fashion stores and even shops that sell sporting goods.
DUTY FREE
| LAX airport offers duty-free shopping to buy alcohol, tobacco and cosmetics in six terminals - terminals 2-7 as well as Tom Brady International terminal. |
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CAR HIRE
With all leading suppliers located at the airport you wiil be spoilt for choice with
LAX Airport car hire.