Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Common Complaints

• Overall Disruption and Traffic Congestion: Extensive construction work (part of a $30 billion overhaul) significantly impacts airport access, leading to severe traffic congestion on roads leading to LAX and within the airport itself.
• Long Customs and Immigration Wait Times: LAX consistently records some of the longest customs wait times for international arrivals, averaging over 30 minutes in summer 2024, with peak waits exceeding three hours for U.S. citizens during busy periods.
• Inadequate Seating and Charging Facilities: Many gates and terminals are reported to lack sufficient seating, forcing passengers to sit on floors, and there are often too few charging points for electronic devices.
• Subpar Terminal Facilities and Cleanliness: Beyond the modernized areas, some terminals are considered outdated, lacking natural light, and reviews mention issues with cleanliness, non-working escalators, and limited, expensive food and beverage options.
• Confusing and Inefficient Ground Transportation: Internal airport transportation, including shuttles to rideshare pick-up areas and between terminals, can be slow, confusing due to inconsistent directions, and often overcrowded. Long waits for parking shuttles have also been reported.
• Rude and Unprofessional Staff: Some travelers have experienced rude and unprofessional behavior from TSA agents and other airport staff.

LAX is in the midst of a significant transformation, with a new Automated People Mover (APM) and improved public transit connections expected to open in January 2025, which should alleviate some transportation and access challenges. However, recent experiences highlight that the airport still faces substantial issues with passenger flow, wait times, and consistent amenity quality across all terminals. Travelers should anticipate potential delays, particularly for international arrivals, and plan accordingly by considering services like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for security.