Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is ranked fifth in the world for number of passengers and tonnage of air cargo handled, and its popularity shows no sign of decreasing. Airport parking, information and links.

Los Angeles International Airport - LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is ranked fifth in the world for number of passengers and tonnage of air cargo handled, and its popularity shows no sign of decreasing.

In 2002 more than 56.2 million people traveled through Los Angeles International Airport. A commerce leader, its ever-expanding air cargo system handled more than 1.9 million tons of goods. International freight was nearly 50 percent of this total. Convenient location, modern facilities, and superior sea/air/land connections have led to Los Angeles International Airport designation as a world-class airport.

Los Angeles International Airport handled 75 percent of the passengers, 78 percent of the air cargo, and 100 percent of the international passengers and cargo traffic in the five-county Southern California region.

Brief History
Originally known as Mines Field, the Los Angeles International Airport site has been used as a general aviation field since 1928. During World War II, it was used for military flights. Commercial airline service started in December 1946. The present terminal complex was constructed in 1961. In the early 1980s, LAX added domestic and international terminals and a second-level roadway.

Economic Impact
Los Angeles International Airport is a dynamic airport which creates, attracts and supports economic activity throughout Southern California. According to a 1995 study, LAX has an annual economic impact of $60 billion. This is generated by aviation activity on or near the airport, by off-airport expenditures related to the use of aviation services, and by money that is again spent and circulated throughout the local economy. An estimated $21 billion of this total is generated within the City of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles International Airport creates jobs. An estimated 59,000 jobs, directly attributable to Los Angeles International Airport, are located on or near the airport. Approximately 408,000 jobs, spread throughout the region, are attributable to Los Angeles International Airport. The employment in the City of Los Angeles due to the airport is estimated to be 158,000 jobs. One in 20 jobs in Southern California is attributed to Los Angeles International Airport operations.

Central Terminal Area
The central complex features nine passenger terminals connected by a U-shaped two-level roadway. Curbside baggage check-in is available on the upper departure level. Baggage claim is on the lower level. Brand-named and ethnic-styled restaurants, cocktail lounges, gift shops, newsstands, duty free shops for international flights, restrooms, public telephones and business centers offer convenient services for the traveling public.

Other amenities include a first aid station in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and special telephones connected to area hotels/motels, bus/limousine services and car rental firms serving most Southland communities. Free shuttle service is provided between all terminals and remote parking lots.

The Encounter Restaurant is located 70 ft. above the ground in the center of the historic Theme Building complex. The restaurant, topped by an observation deck, features a space-age interior design.

Airport Information

Los Angeles World Airports