Heading To LAX For Labor Day? Airport Officials Warn Of Crowds, Construction

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles International Airport is preparing for more than 1.9 million passengers during the Labor Day travel period, with the holiday rush expected to peak Friday.

About 231,000 passengers are projected to arrive at or depart from LAX on Friday, according to Los Angeles World Airports. Heavy passenger volume is expected to continue through Labor Day on Monday.

The airport's 10-day holiday travel period runs from Monday, Aug. 31, through Wednesday, Sept. 9. Overall passenger volume is expected to be comparable to last year's Labor Day period.

AAA ranked Los Angeles among its 10 most popular domestic destinations for the holiday weekend, while the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen about 17 million passengers nationwide during the travel period.

"Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for much of the country, but in Los Angeles, visitors can continue to enjoy many of the experiences that define summer year-round," LAWA Chief Revenue & Experience Officer Courtney Moore said.

Travelers heading to LAX during the holiday period should prepare for ongoing construction and roadway changes.

Airport officials recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. Construction remains underway at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 4 and the future Terminal 5, along with road work in and around the Central Terminal Area.

Parking facilities could reach capacity on the busiest travel days, and airport officials recommend reserving parking in advance when possible.

Travelers can also reach LAX using Metro's C and K lines through the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station. Free airport shuttles run between the station and each terminal.

Passengers using taxis, Uber or Lyft can walk to the LAX-it pickup lot east of Terminal 1 or take a free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level. LAX said additional buses and ambassadors will be available during the holiday period.

People picking up arriving passengers can use two cellphone waiting lots at 6217 W. 96th St. and 5800 W. Century Blvd. Airport officials said passengers without checked luggage typically reach the curb about 15 minutes after landing, while those with checked bags may take about 30 minutes and international arrivals about 45 minutes.

Passengers should check their flight status before leaving for the airport and use online check-in when available.

For international arrivals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Enhanced Passenger Processing system is available at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 7. The biometric processing system has reduced wait times for U.S. citizens by about 25%, according to CBP.