The sixth busiest airport in the world, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), serves more than 50 million passengers each year, according to Los Angeles World Airports. Near the heart of Los Angeles, LAX is home to nearly 70 domestic and international airlines. Nine passenger terminals arranged like a horseshoe are accessed from two levels of roadways, keeping traffic for pickups and drop-offs moving as smoothly as possible. While waiting for a flight, passengers can dine in one of many restaurants, enjoy public artwork and cultural exhibits, or shop in a vast array of stores with a California flair.
For those wishing to dodge city traffic and avoid the crowds at LAX, Ontario International Airport provides a less-busy alternative 35 miles to the east of downtown Los Angeles. Served by nine major airlines, the airport's website reports handling a mere 6 million passengers per year. The two passenger terminals host half a dozen restaurants each, including such national names as Applebee's Bar and Grill, Round Table Pizza and Schlotzky's Deli. Locally inspired stores reflect the California lifestyle, providing shoppers with gifts for those back home as well as sun-savvy clothing and sundry items. A pet-friendly airport, Ontario's two terminals both provide a pet relief area that feature trees, sand, grass and a fire hydrant to suit your pet's preferences.
In 1927, Charles Lindbergh climbed into his now-famous plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, to embark on the world's first solo transatlantic flight. Since then, the small airfield in San Diego from which he embarked has developed into the country's most in-demand, single-runway airport, according to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Serving more than 1.5 million passengers per month, the airport is home to 18 passenger airlines and served by four cargo carriers. Three passenger terminals host more than three dozen eateries and a variety of shops offering gifts unique to San Diego as well as national brands. Artwork displays and cultural exhibits showcase local artists and historical artifacts. With displays changed every few months, even frequent commuters will enjoy browsing fresh exhibits while waiting for a flight.
