Im going to Los Angeles in 3 weeks.Ive never been to America.Does any1 have a tips about going through LAX?

Question

I'm going from Ireland to Los Angeles in 3 weeks and it's my first hoilday in 10 years, I've never been outside of europe in my life.

I've read and heard a lot of stories that would put most people off going though LAX airport so I'm a bit worried about that. If anyone has any tips about making the hole thing easer and quicker it would really help.

Answer 1

There is nothing at all to be worried about LAX.

It's huge, ugly, crowded and chaotic. What big airport isn't? Just follow the crowd as they deplane and you will wind up in the baggage claim area to retreive your goods and be on your way.

LAX is a great melting pot....you can see every race of mankind and every social class in ten minutes time. Keep your eyes open and savor the moment!
LAX is also likely the safest place in L.A. It's after you leave the airport that you need to be careful. Like any big city.....OK, a LOT MORE than most places...just be aware of your surroundings and most particularly ...who is aware of you. Walk down the street with confidence like you own the place and few people will give you a second glance.

People in L.A. are laid back and you will find most will gladly give you help if you need to ask for directions.

I'm very curious.....your first trip outside of Europe and to the Americas and you select the modern-day Babylon?

Answer 2

You are so lucky that you will depart to Los Angeles from Ireland (Dublin or Shannon only). There is no need to clear immigration upon arrival at LAX. They will do a "Pre-Clearance" immigration process both at Dublin and Shannon Airport for all outgoing flights to U.S. However, you should still clear Customs.

However, if you do not depart from Dublin/Shannon or the Pre-Clearance system broke down (this might happen and this have happened actually), you will required to clear immigration (passport control) and Customs.

Let me tell you my last journey to LAX in June 2005:
I arrived at Tom Bradley International Terminal and oh no!!! This is the biggest and also the most crowded terminal at LAX. Immigration process took more than an hour (really!) although the officer didn't ask me so many questions (I wonder how long it will take if you are assigned for an "INTENSIVE INSPECTION"). There was a very long line at the passport control area for both U.S. and foreigners citizens. But luckily I could quickly pick up my baggage and pass Customs smoothly (no questions and no baggage searching!!!). I thought I spent 1 1/2 hours at LAX just for an international arrival flight.

Okay, if you want to make the hole thing quicker, avoid Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). This is the terminal where all international arrival flights that are NOT operated by U.S. carriers lands.

And be patience....

That's it, I hope you have a smooth trip.

Answer 3

I've flown international out of LAX, SFO, Seattle-Tacoma, Atlanta Hartsfield, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago O'Hare, and Newark Liberty -- honestly, LAX is the worse of the lot. It's certainly doable, but it can be fustrating.

- It is very chaotic. The staff at LAX seems unmotivated when it comes to being helpful. You're better off asking one of the recruiters for various religious cults. They're always abundant at this airport in particular, and they're actually quite knowledgeble should you get lost (just slyly and politely take off when they start talking about building a spaceship to go see Jesus).

- LAX lacks a clean internal tram system (smoggy diesel fueled buses take you around the airport, you'll have to stand outside in the sweltering heat to wait for them).

- The layout of the security and check-in lines are needlessly obtuse, for some reason, taking up far more space than they actually need to. This is a planning problem that the airport administration could easily fix if it were so inclined (don't hold your breath).

- There's no coordination with public transportation since the Airport MetroRail station doesn't actually stop anywhere near the airport (you have to go outside and haul your luggage onto a poorly marked bus to even get there).

- Likewise, the rental car companies operate buses to their offices rather than have on-site service.

- Customs and immigration at LAX are, generally, not especially abusive. However, they are overworked and irritable, so have all your paperwork in order. Even if they're rude or become accusatory, don't bother arguing with them...simply state that you have nothing to hide and they are free to check you and your luggage if they wish. Don't get loss in the crowd when you're handing over documents at Customs either, make sure they see and acknowledge you before leaving.

Just keep on reminding yourself that it'll be over soon, and that once you actually leave the airport, L.A. is fun.

Answer 4

See a superstar; drink a cocktail on a rooftop bar at sunset; slip on a couple of designer shoes within an ultra-luxurious shop in Beverly Hills; enjoy at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, discover world-class museums, or party the night away in a starlet-filled club…..this are just someof what exactly you will see in Los Angeles, find that town with hotelbye . Los Angeles may be the California's liveliest town; may be the amusement capital of America, with megastar electricity and unlimited activities. Hollywood may be the most-see attractions in Los Angeles. This place draws an incredible number of guests every year who travel there to pay gratitude with their beloved stars and perhaps even get a glimpse of a couple of famous personalities. And sometimes they're happy!

Answer 5

Be patient. I went there for myself in 2001 (before the terror attacks). It can get pretty confusing there...I found it more confusing than I did Atlanta's airport (which is bigger). Make sure you know which gates, etc. you are arriving/departing at before you get there. Also, if you want a taxi, they will be by the baggage claim areas as will the rent-a-car places. Have fun in the USA, and in California...I had so much fun when I went to LA, but I wouldn't want to live there. (though my aunt & uncle do!) PS-I will be going to Ireland next April, i'm looking forward to it!

Answer 6

LAX is not as bad as it seems. Just as long as you follow the signs. I have been there many times and as long as you read and do not assume then you will be fine. Have fun and when you are there eat at small resturants they have some of the best in LA plus there is so much to do.

Answer 7

I m not sure what you've hear about LAX but is pretty safe. Where are you staying? If you're staying in the San Fernanco Valley or Downtown are you can take the Flyaway to eather place and it cost $3.00 one way. You can write to me at [e-mail] and I will give you more info depending on where you will be staying. Feel free to write.

Answer 8

Wear shoes that are easy to take off...like sandals or slip ons because they frequently ask people to take off their shoes (for security reasons).
Look like you know what you're doing...people in LA are friendly, but not the friendliest....however since you have an accent, the girls will love you!
People in LA think it's funny and/or don't care about giving someone wrong directions...so try your best to not get lost!
HAVE FUN!

Answer 9

I've never been there myself, but I can only assume that it would help if you were polite and courteous. The workers there have a job to do and no one really likes it that much (Security measures), but a nice person may make things easier, and you just might make someone's day.

Answer 10

Just have patience. That's the best recommendation I can have. Be patient, do the correct process (which is pretty easy to do) and then leave the airport.