LAX is the international gateway, but Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), Ontario (ONT) and John Wayne (SNA) frequently offer cheaper domestic fares with faster terminals.
LAX is enormous and increasingly painful — 90-minute curb-to-gate timelines aren't unusual. The good news: LA has four serious alternative airports, and they often have cheaper fares too.
LAX (Los Angeles International)
The default for international long-haul (Tokyo, London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Seoul). Domestic from LAX is usually the most expensive of the LA-area options.
BUR (Hollywood Burbank)
Easiest in-and-out airport in the LA basin. Strong on West Coast routes (PHX, SFO, OAK, SEA, LAS, DEN). Often $50–$100 cheaper than LAX for the same itinerary on Southwest or Delta.
LGB (Long Beach)
Small, quick, served by Southwest, Hawaiian, JetBlue. Slot-restricted so flights are limited but pleasant.
ONT (Ontario)
Best for Inland Empire residents. Frequently the cheapest LA-area fare on routes to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Denver.
SNA (John Wayne / Orange County)
Convenient for South OC residents. Premium pricing on most routes due to its captive business audience and noise-restricted operating hours.
Best Times to Fly Out of LA
- Cheapest: Early-morning Tuesday/Wednesday departures
- Most expensive: Friday afternoon (weekend leisure surge) and Sunday evening (business return)
See our LA flight booking page for current popular routes.