Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) experiences a surge in holiday travelers with over 3.2 million expected. Despite being slightly higher than last year, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. A new Automated People Mover train is planned to alleviate traffic congestion by offering direct connections to Metro and improved transportation within the airport.
As holiday travel picked up, tearful hugs goodbye, welcome parties and kids buzzing (and sometimes singing) with excitement were in full view at one of the world's busiest airports. So were crowds, long waits and traffic. Tis' the season. More than 3.2 million people are expected to make their way through Los Angeles International Airport during the holidays. While the number is slightly higher than last year’s count, it’s still not at pre-pandemic levels.
Still, the surge in activity has brought fresh stress for travelers. Teresa Lai was determined to save her parents from a long trip through the 1 World Way horseshoe this year. Before leaving Minneapolis to visit them in Los Angeles, she researched how to get to the Metro from LAX to avoid a pick-up ride. Unsure of whether the information she found was correct, she and her husband eventually navigated their way to the shuttle and boarded for the train. “Now that my parents are getting older, I think we’re going to take the line more frequently,” Lai, 32, said about her plans to head towards Cerritos, especially in anticipation of the launch of the Automated People Mover train that will offer a direct connection to Metro. The elevated train is expected to significantly decrease the amount of traffic at the airport by presenting alternative routes in and out. It will offer travelers a ride to and from the new rental car facility and parking lot and a more seamless drop-off experience at a ride-hail lot, which officials have said is likely to move from its current zone outside of Terminal 1 to the economy parking lot area. The current experience to hail an Uber, Lyft or taxi can be frustrating for travelers trying to locate the parking lot, especially with children or luggage. For now, Lai and other travelers still have a wait ahead of the promised changes. The train won’t be completed until next December and will start running in January 2026, officials sai
Travel LAX Holiday Travel Crowds Transportation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Holiday travel rush is in full swing at LAX, with some flights experiencing delaysIt's that time of year again—the holiday travel rush has arrived, and the chaos at LAX is in full swing. Whether you're flying or driving, the message is clear: expect heavy traffic and long waits, both on the roads and at the airport.
Read more »
LAX, Southern California's Thanksgiving travel rush — here are the busiest times to drive and flyHere are the worst times to drive and fly in Southern California during the Thanksgiving travel rush this year — from traffic jams along the 5 Freeway to the packed terminals of LAX.
Read more »
LAX workers hold rally, call for boost in wages as holiday travel season kicks offWorkers who clean planes, handle baggage and maintain safety at LAX held a rally at the start of the busy Thanksgiving travel week to demand higher wages.
Read more »
LAX holiday travelThe most important stories for you to know today
Read more »
Holiday travel rush hits Seattle-Tacoma International AirportMillions of travelers eager to reunite with loved ones are taking to the skies this holiday season, including passengers at Sea-Tac Airport.
Read more »
Sea-Tac Airport sees smooth travel day despite holiday rushSEATTLE — Thousands of travelers passed through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on one of the busiest travel days following the Thanksgiving holiday. Despi
Read more »