LAX - Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles, United States
IATA Code: LAX · Los Angeles, United States
The airport code LAX is the IATA identifier for Los Angeles International Airport. You may also find it referred to as Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serves Los Angeles, United States, in the North America fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
LAX is the IATA airport code for Los Angeles International Airport, located in Los Angeles, United States. The airport is situated at coordinates 33.9425°N, 118.4080°W. The current jet fuel price in the North America region is $5.21/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (North America)
$5.21/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- LAX
- City
- Los Angeles
- Country
- United States
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Latitude
- 33.9425°
- Longitude
- -118.4080°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- North America
How Travelers Usually Use LAX
LAX is the main long-haul gateway for Southern California. It usually wins when nonstop coverage matters more than terminal simplicity.
Planning note: Build more buffer than you think you need for curbside traffic, especially for evening departures or same-day domestic-to-international plans.
Best Fit For
- Transpacific and Australia-bound trips that need the broadest nonstop map.
- Travelers comparing multiple alliances or premium-cabin schedules on one airport.
- Itineraries where missing the best long-haul departure would cost more than the extra ground transfer.
Watch Before You Book
- Road access can erase a cheap fare if your real destination is not close to the west side of Los Angeles.
- Terminal changes and curb traffic feel slower here than at smaller Southern California airports.
How To Read LAX Against Other Airports
When LAX Usually Wins
- You need the broadest Southern California long-haul map and do not want to compromise on nonstop coverage.
- Your trip includes a premium-cabin comparison across multiple alliances or a same-day backup plan if one departure slips.
- You are staying on the west side or near the airport and the ground journey penalty is manageable.
Compare Another Airport First If...
- Your trip is a simple domestic hop and a smaller airport would save meaningful time at the curb and at security.
- Your real destination is in the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, the Inland Empire, or coastal Orange County.
- You are traveling with a schedule so tight that Los Angeles road traffic matters more than long-haul airline choice.
Arrival Geography That Usually Fits LAX
Westside stays
LAX usually makes the most sense when your hotel or meeting is near Santa Monica, Venice, El Segundo, or the South Bay.
Long-haul shopping
Use LAX when you want to compare nonstop Asia, Australia, and Latin America options before you narrow the trip.
Recovery-heavy itineraries
When a missed departure would be expensive, LAX gives you more same-day airline alternatives than most nearby airports.
Airports Travelers Compare With LAX
Bob Hope Airport
Burbank, United States
Choose Burbank for simpler domestic travel if your trip centers on Hollywood, Pasadena, or the San Fernando Valley.
Long Beach /Daugherty Field/ Airport
Long Beach, United States
Use Long Beach when a smaller terminal and easier curb access matter more than network breadth.
John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport
Santa Ana, United States
Compare Orange County if your final stop is in coastal Orange County and you want to avoid crossing Los Angeles.
Ontario International Airport
Ontario, United States
Ontario can be better for Inland Empire trips or domestic routes where ground convenience outweighs nonstop long-haul access.
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from LAX
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| HHR - Hawthorne | 7 km | $102 | $0/passenger |
| SMO - Santa Monica | 9 km | $131 | $0/passenger |
| TOA - Torrance | 17 km | $248 | $0/passenger |
| LGB - Long Beach | 27 km | $394 | $1/passenger |
| BUR - Burbank | 29 km | $423 | $1/passenger |
| VNY - Van Nuys | 31 km | $452 | $1/passenger |
| WHP - Los Angeles | 35 km | $511 | $1/passenger |
| EMT - El Monte | 38 km | $554 | $1/passenger |
| FUL - Fullerton | 40 km | $584 | $1/passenger |
| SNA - Santa Ana | 58 km | $846 | $2/passenger |
| AVX - Catalina Island | 60 km | $875 | $2/passenger |
| POC - La Verne | 60 km | $875 | $2/passenger |
| NTD - Point Mugu | 69 km | $1,007 | $2/passenger |
| NZJ - Santa Ana | 69 km | $1,007 | $2/passenger |
| CCB - Upland | 69 km | $1,007 | $2/passenger |
| CNO - Chino | 71 km | $1,036 | $2/passenger |
| ONT - Ontario | 75 km | $1,094 | $2/passenger |
| OXR - Oxnard | 79 km | $1,152 | $2/passenger |
| PMD - Palmdale | 82 km | $1,196 | $2/passenger |
| RAL - Riverside | 89 km | $1,298 | $3/passenger |
| WJF - Lancaster | 90 km | $1,313 | $3/passenger |
| RIV - Riverside | 106 km | $1,546 | $3/passenger |
| SBD - San Bernardino | 109 km | $1,590 | $3/passenger |
| EDW - Edwards Afb | 117 km | $1,707 | $3/passenger |
| VCV - Victorville | 119 km | $1,736 | $3/passenger |
| RBK - Murrieta-Temecula | 125 km | $1,824 | $4/passenger |
| MHV - Mojave | 126 km | $1,838 | $4/passenger |
| OCN - Fraser Island | 127 km | $1,853 | $4/passenger |
| CLD - Carlsbad | 138 km | $2,013 | $4/passenger |
| SBA - Santa Barbara | 142 km | $2,071 | $4/passenger |
| BNG - Banning | 144 km | $2,101 | $4/passenger |
| NKX - Miramar | 167 km | $2,436 | $5/passenger |
| SQA - Santa Ynez | 170 km | $2,480 | $5/passenger |
| BFL - Bakersfield | 176 km | $2,567 | $5/passenger |
| SAN - San Diego | 176 km | $2,567 | $5/passenger |
| PSP - Palm Springs | 176 km | $2,567 | $5/passenger |
| NZY - San Diego | 177 km | $2,582 | $5/passenger |
| DAG - Daggett | 180 km | $2,626 | $5/passenger |
| SEE - El Cajon | 182 km | $2,655 | $5/passenger |
| IYK - Inyokern | 198 km | $2,888 | $6/passenger |
| UDD - Palm Springs | 198 km | $2,888 | $6/passenger |
| SDM - San Diego | 202 km | $2,947 | $6/passenger |
| TIJ - Tijuana | 205 km | $2,991 | $6/passenger |
| LPC - Lompoc | 206 km | $3,005 | $6/passenger |
| TRM - Palm Springs | 211 km | $3,078 | $6/passenger |
| SMX - Santa Maria | 216 km | $3,151 | $6/passenger |
| VBG - Lompoc | 218 km | $3,180 | $6/passenger |
| BYS - Fort Irwin | 220 km | $3,209 | $6/passenger |
| SBP - San Luis Obispo | 250 km | $3,647 | $7/passenger |
| VIS - Visalia | 279 km | $4,070 | $8/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your LAX Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the North America region has jet fuel priced at $5.21/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from LAX
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Los Angeles
Los Angeles enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F) throughout the year. Early morning and late evening flights can offer relief from daytime heat during summer. Pack layers for air-conditioned terminals.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through LAX
Traveling through Los Angeles in the Americas, passengers should be aware that fuel prices in the North America region directly influence ticket pricing. North and South American airports generally have well-established ground transportation networks, including ride-sharing services, shuttles, and rental car agencies. For international arrivals, customs and immigration processing times vary significantly by country.
🇺🇳 United States Travel Tips
Within the United States, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can significantly reduce security wait times. Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport starting in 2025. Jet fuel prices in North America tend to be among the most competitive globally, though they remain sensitive to Gulf of Mexico refining capacity.
Planning Your Trip via LAX
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Los Angeles International Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from LAX
- Fuel impact awareness: The North America region currently prices jet fuel at $5.21/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to LAX are HHR, SMO, TOA — consider these for potentially lower fares
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