The major gateway to L.A. is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Departures are from the upper level, and arrivals are on the lower level. LAX is serviced by more than 85 major airlines and is the third-largest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic. Ontario International Airport (ONT), about 35 mi east of Los Angeles, serves the San Bernardino-Riverside area with a dozen airlines. Bob Hope Airport (BUR), formerly known as Burbank airport, serves the San Fernando Valley with six airlines. Four airlines use Long Beach Airport (LGB), at the southern tip of Los Angeles County; Alaska Airlines may soon join the roster. John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) serves Orange County with 14 airlines, including four commuter carriers.
It's generally easier to navigate the secondary airports than to get through sprawling LAX. Bob Hope Airport is the closest to downtown L.A., and domestic flights to it can be cheaper than flights to LAX -- it's definitely worth checking out. From the Long Beach airport it's equally convenient to go north to central Los Angeles or south to Orange County. Flights to Orange County's John Wayne airport are often more expensive than those to the other secondary airports. Parking at the smaller airports is cheaper than at LAX.
Carriers
Delta and American have the most nonstop and direct (one stop but no plane change) flights to LAX from U.S. cities. JetBlue Airways, a low-fare domestic airline, has daily nonstop flights between Long Beach and New York City, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Low-fare Southwest Airlines serves LAX, Ontario, and Bob Hope airports. AirTran Airways (ATA), another low-fare domestic airline, has daily nonstop flights between L.A. and its Atlanta hub.
By Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient way to get between the city and the airports. There's a $38 flat rate to and from downtown L.A. to LAX, plus a $2.50 surcharge. Taxis to and from Ontario Airport run on a meter and can cost up to $40 or $50 depending on traffic; taxis between downtown and the Bob Hope Airport are also metered and can cost $35 to $40. From Long Beach Airport to Long Beach hotels, some taxis offer a $17 flat rate; trips to downtown L.A. are metered and cost roughly $60.
By Shuttle
For two or three travelers -- particularly if you're going a longish distance, e.g., to the San Fernando Valley from LAX -- shuttle services are economical, $12-$20 per person. However, an individual traveler, depending on the destination, may end up paying more than by cab. Shuttle ride costs are determined by postal codes; fares increase depending on how many postal-code areas you pass. A shuttle ride generally takes longer than a cab ride. These big vans typically circle the airport repeatedly to fill up with passengers. Your travel time will be determined in part by how many other travelers are dropped off before you. At LAX, Prime Time and SuperShuttle allow walk-on shuttle passengers without prior reservations; otherwise, you'll need to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance for a ride either to or from an airport.
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LA Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
310-646-5252
www.lawa.org/lax
Bob Hope Airport
2627 N. Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA
818-840-8830
818-840-8847
www.burbankairport.com
Ontario International Airport
Airport Dr. and Vineyard Ave
909-937-2700
www.lawa.org
John Wayne/Orange County Airport
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA
949-252-5006
www.ocair.com
Long Beach Airport
4100 Donald Douglas Dr.
562-570-2600
www.lgb.org
Airline Websites
www.airtran.com ($169 one way from DC)
www.southwest.com
www.ata.com
www.jetblue.com
www.frontierairlines.com
www.airtran.com
www.americawest.com
www.aa.com
www.united.com
www.continental.com
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