Flying in to LAX...Anyone have any tips??

[misscampbells]

Hey everyone, my family and I (ds 7, dd 2, dh and me) will be flying into LAX on Saturday evening the 16th and will fly back out on 12/24 at 7:30am. We are renting a car from Avis to drive around SoCal while we are there. Anyways....does anyone have any tips about the airport? I have always flown into Ontario or SNA to avoid LAX, but I was able to get a great deal on Priceline tickets, but we had to fly into LAX.

Anyways.......How does the rental car/counter work, is it very far from the terminals? How early should we return to LAX the morning we fly out (we have to turn in the rental also). How long are the security lines? Are they manageable or do they take forever?

Any info is appreciated,
Kathy

 

[wdwprincess03]

We went through budget, so I can't help you with the car, but the airport is nothing to worry about. I've been in a few airports, and LAX isn't bad at all. When we flew back home there was barely any lines. I was sort of amazed.

 

[wendypooh22]

I can't give you advice on your rental car, but when going back to LAX for your return flight, give yourselves at least 2 hours to check in and get through security... If you can, use curbside check-in. That way you won't have to wait in the long lines at the counter...

Have a safe trip!

 

[Rapunsel]

the rental car company is off site and they have a shuttle to take you to the airport... I would plan at last 3 hours. As Christmas is extremly crazy at LAX. Just like any where else. It is also a Sunday so it might not be that bad...

I also agree with the previous poster. Do the curbside check in. Some airlines charge you for it, but it is well worth it.. Especailly with kids..

 

[staley7580]

Who are you renting through? We went through budget, and they said to go out side and flag down the shuttle. They dont actually have people at the counters, its just phones. Flying in was super easy, from our gate, the escallator took us directly dowstairs to baggage claim, from there out to the rental car shuttle stop. Then we waved down the shuttle, they dropped us off at the car rental place and I went inside and got the car, directions, and 35 mins later I was checking into my hotel. Simple as could be. If your not sure about the layout, google LAX. go to there website, it has a map and what rental cars they serve. Thats what I did, but im a compulsive planner!
Oh, duh, AVIS. Just go outside and wave them down, they do constant loops, until someone waves them down.

 

[GadZuggs]

One thing that we noticed was that there weren't any bathrooms near some of the baggage claim areas. We thought we would head to the b c area and then find the restroom. Oh, boy was that almost a mistake as it seems like an eternity before the bags came down the ramp and we fast-walked down the hall until we found them. Signs to b c area are pretty clear, so stop first in the gate area, you'll have time.

 

[minnietoo]

One thing that we noticed was that there weren't any bathrooms near some of the baggage claim areas. We thought we would head to the b c area and then find the restroom. Oh, boy was that almost a mistake as it seems like an eternity before the bags came down the ramp and we fast-walked down the hall until we found them. Signs to b c area are pretty clear, so stop first in the gate area, you'll have time.

depending on your terminal they are often right after the circular doors - on your right - easy to miss

 

[staley7580]

when we went it said that the baggage claim bathrroms were closed. Of course, thats when my 4yo ds decided to let us know he had to go potty! Always at the last minute!