LAX Terminal 1 – Los Angeles International Airport (T1)

LAX Terminal 1 is one of the advanced terminals at Los Angeles International Airport. Serves millions of passengers annually with sophisticated services and amenities. Whether you are a first time traveller or a frequent flyer, terminal 1 at LAX offers streamlined and rush free journeys. It is a multi-year renovated project to magnify overall passenger expertise. From departing, arriving or connecting flights along with dining and shopping options, the facilities will enhance your seamless travel experiences. By understanding what Los Angeles International Airport terminal 1 can serve, deeply improve your trip. 

Welcome to Terminal 1 at LAX: What You Need to Know

Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Terminal is the hub for domestic and budget friendly airlines, most particularly Southwest Airlines. Expanded into two levels, upper and lower with 9 gates and a single concourse that serves for both domestic and international flights. Through recent renovation the terminal is now connected with the other terminals layout  by the post-security walkways.

Category	Details
Airlines	Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, Cayman Airways, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country, Viva Aerobus
Concourses Layout	Single Concourse with 13 gates and a bus gate
Arrival Level	Lower Level / Level 1: Baggage claim, Ground transportation, Pet relief area, Shuttle service, and parking
Departure Level	Upper Level /  Level 3 : Post security concourse, Dining and Shopping option, Bus Gates for Tom and Bradley International Terminal West.
Lounges Available	There is no Lounge services at LAX Terminal 1
Priority Pass	Be Relax Spa for single person, doesn’t serve food or drinks like other airport lounges.
Dining and Food Hub	Rock and Brew, California Pizza Kitchen, Reilly’s Irish Fish, Urth Caffe and Bar
Shopping at Terminal 1	Brook Stone, Hudson News, I love LA, Kiehl’s, M.A.C Cosmetics, SOL Surf, Treat Me Sweet
Parking	On-site Parking –  Structure Parking (P1) : Convenience parkingPremium parking LAX Economy parking Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Facilities and amenities	A visitor information centre, Nursing room, Pet relief area, Free wifi, Charging stations, ATMs, PreCheck security, Flyaway Bus, LAX-it pick-up zones, Restrooms, Wheelchair Assistance
Official Website	https://www.flylax.com/

Navigating with Confidence: LAX Terminal 1 Map and Layout

LAX Terminal 1 is a new, modern terminal with a streamlined design, specially designed to allow for easy navigability for the traveling public. Terminal 1 only serves Southwest Airlines and several secondary carriers; construction was completed in 2019 and has 3 levels: Level 1 handles all arrivals baggage claim and ground transportation; level 2 is the airline check-in level; and level 3 is the one and only post-security concourse, which has all the gates, shops, and restaurants.There is only one concourse, so it only takes a few minutes to get from security to any gate.

Features	Details
Arrival and Ground Entrance	Level1: Baggage Claim, Transportation and Pet Relief Area
Check-ins	Level 2 : Airlines counters lobby, security pathways
Departure and Facilities	Level 3 : For shopping and Dining
Intern-terminal Walking ways	Airside walkways to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 through post security
Connected ways to Terminal B	Bus gate and shuttle to connect West Gate

Terminal 1 offers amenities such as the Be Relax Spa, nursing rooms, pet relief areas, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Wheelchair assistance is available upon request through your airline. Terminal 1 also has airside connections to Terminals 2 and 3, so you can transfer safely without exiting the terminal. If you’d like to visit the Tom Bradley International Terminal, you can use a one-stop shuttle for free post-security. Ultimately, Terminal 1 offers travelers and ordinary transits a well-connected, easy to navigate, and user-friendly experience, even during peak travel days.

International or Domestic Airline Fly From Terminal 1 at LAX

This terminal is primarily utilized by Southwest Airlines, as well as some other low-cost or regional carriers: Allegiant, Breeze, Sun Country, Frontier, Viva Aerobus, and Cayman Airways. Most of these airlines fly only within the United States, though, in addition to these carriers, there is a very limited number of international flights from Terminal 1, mostly to Mexico or the Caribbean.

International	Domestic
Viva Aerobus	Southwest Airlines
Cayman Air	Allegiant Air
Allegian Air	Breeze Airways
	Sun Country
	Frontier Airlines

However, there are no customs or immigration facilities inside Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport. Instead, if you arrive on a flight outside the United States, you will likely land at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) or another terminal that has international arrivals and then travel to Terminal 1 afterwards if it’s necessary.

Smooth Landings: LAX Terminal 1 Arrivals and Departure Experience

It can be intimidating to maneuver through an airport like LAX, but for arrivals and departures, Terminal 1 provides an unexpectedly enjoyable experience. Terminal 1, which is primarily served by Southwest Airlines, has proven to provide an efficient layout, some modern upgrades, and a welcoming feel — a high point for a domestic traveler.

Arrival

Departure

The location for the Los Angeles International Airport terminal 1 arrival is at the lower level. Here you can claim your baggage and have access to ground transportations.  For domestic arrivals, passengers can move directly to the baggage claim after the custom clear process. International flights for Terminal 1 airlines such as Allegiant and Viva Aerobus arrive at the West Gates of Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and not Terminal 1. Passengers will go through customs and immigration at TBIT before exiting the terminal or making a connection. If making a connection to a domestic flight, make sure to recheck your bags and go through security again.

The location of the Los Angeles International Airport terminal 1 departure is at the upper level. Here you have to go through airlines check-ins counters, security checkpoints and the terminal gates access.  For domestic departure, passengers have to check-in to their airlines, then proceed to the security checkpoints. After the security clearance, you will be assigned to your airline gates for the boarding process.   Most international carriers in Terminal 1, where passengers check in and clear security, transfer via an airside shuttle accessed between Gates 12A and 21A to the West Gates of Tom Bradley International Terminal, where the boarding occurs. Only Southwest will have international departures from Terminal 1. Passport and visas are needed.

For international flights, some passengers check in and clear security at LAX Terminal 1 but board at the West Gates inside Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B). After clearing security, follow the ground transportation signs to the shuttle gate located between Gates 12A and 21A. The secure airside bus transportation allows you to go directly to your departure gate.

What Time Does TSA Open at LAX Terminal 1?

 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; however, not all the TSA security checkpoints are open all the time. The hours for TSA checkpoints vary by terminal based upon airline flight schedules. For example, Terminal 1, which serves only Southwest Airlines, typically opens between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. Early in the morning for the flight departures of the day.

Since the airport is always busy, we must clarify immediately that the security and check-in hours of every terminal are closely related to the departure times of the airlines that use that terminal. The services in Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport are based around Southwest’s departure times, so knowing the current hours scheduling each time you fly really does remove any unexpected wait time, or delay.

Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 1 Lounges and Comfort Options

There are no LAX Terminal 1 Lounge services, although the main airlines of Terminal 1 Southwest do provide services for their passengers. The Southwest Airlines passengers may access the Southwest Airlines Lounge in Terminal 4 by taking the free LAX shuttle. Eligible travelers receive snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Nearby lounges include all the lounges in Tom Bradley International Terminal, which have premium amenities with excellent access to showers and quiet areas. Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 1 does have some seating areas, also with charging stations and free Wi-Fi, and provides many convenient places to relax and ready for your flights.

Terminal 1 aT Los Angeles International Airport Priority Pass Access

Although there is no traditional lounge at the LAX Terminal 1. The priority pass members can access the Be Relax Spa, located after the security at the airside near gate number 12. At the Be Relax Spa, travelers can unwind in a calm atmosphere that provides a complimentary 15-minute massage in a chair or an aromatherapy experience using one Priority Pass visit. Other personalized treatments, which incur an additional fee, include oxygen therapy and nail care.

The spa opens daily at 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it is advisable to have advance booking as they may restrict access at the peak times due to the space restraints. While the Be Relax Spa does not offer food or drink, there are places to eat in Terminal 1 such as Panda Express and Rock & Brew.

Dining and Food Options at LAX Terminal 1

LAX Dining at Terminal 1, has a variety of food and restaurant services. While it could not compare to the dining options available at other terminals, it has a respectable amount of places to eat to please hungry travelers on their way to their next . Whether you are looking for a full meal or snack, there are options available for everyone. Every seating area has free wi-fi and charging stations, so you can also recharge while eating, and can relax before you have to go.

Restaurant Name	Cuisine Type	Hours of Operation	Location Notes
California Pizza Kitchen	American / Pizza	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Near Gate 10
Ace Tacos	Mexican / Fast Casual	6:00 AM – 9:00 PM	Central food court area
Chick-fil-A	Fast Food / Chicken	6:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Near Gate 12
Reilly’s Irish Pub	Bar / Pub Fare	10:00 AM – 11:00 PM	Close to security checkpoint
Starbucks	Coffee / Snacks	24 Hours	Near entrance

Top Shopping Spots at Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 1

LAX Terminal 1 is small, but there is a good selection of shops to enhance your waiting experience. Whether you want to pick up travel necessities, grab a last-minute souvenir, or browse for snacks and tech gadgets, you can find it all here. Shopping options include:

Store Name	Category	Highlights
I Love LA	Souvenirs / Convenience	T-shirts, mugs, travel essentials
Brookstone	Travel Gadgets	Neck pillows, tech accessories
MAC Cosmetics	Beauty	Makeup, skincare, travel-size items
Stellar News	Newsstand / Essentials	Magazines, snacks, bottled drinks
Treat Me Sweet	Candy / Gifts	Gourmet chocolates, sweet treats
Sol Surf	Apparel / Accessories	California surf-inspired clothing
The New Stand	Lifestyle / Tech	Trendy gadgets, books, wellness items

Travel Essentials

• Hudson News
• Brookstone
• New Stand Kiosk
• Stellar News Express
• Vera Bradley

Attire and Gifts – l

• I Love L.A
• Sol Surf

Cosmetics and Wellness

• M.A.C Cosmetics
• Kiehl’s

Sweet Treats

• Treat Me Sweet

Before Security

• 7-Eleven

Hudson News is a popular stop with books and travel necessities, iStore has electronics, and LAX Shop has gifts and travel essentials with the branded item you’re looking for. Because all of these stores are quick, convenient, and are focused on you the traveler, they make it easy to stroll, shop, and go for all before your flight.

How Much Is Parking at LAX Terminal 1?

Parking Structure 1 (P1) is generally the designated parking for LAX Terminal 1, and is located directly across the street from the terminal itself. P1 is a short-term parking garage, and for short trips, it provides easy access between check-in and security. Some parking locations with their charges are below – 

Central Parking Area (CTA) – Structure 1 (P1)

Closer to the terminal for short term and daily parking. The first 15 minutes are free, $2 for per 15 minutes after the first 15 minutes. The daily rates can go to $60.

LAX Economy Parking (Lot E)

Located at 96th street, easy travelling by 24/7 shuttle services. Preferable for long term parking with $9 for the hours. The daily rates can go to $35 max also available for prebooking discount.

Valet Parking

Premium options with baggage drop off services. A rapid convenient but bit expensive parking. The service charges vary according to the duration. 

If planning for an extended stay or to save money while parking, Economy Lot E is the best parking option a short shuttle ride away. Economy Lot E is a budget-friendly parking solution with regular transfers for all terminals. Also, if using a valet service nearby is more desirable, that option is also available. In summary, parking at LAX Terminal 1 provides a variety of options for any travel preference.

Smart Traveler Tips: Mastering Your Terminal 1 Journey 

Terminal 1 at LAX, primarily used by Southwest Airlines, is a relatively new terminal with an organized process specifically for domestic travelers. When heading to the Southwest concourse you want to arrive early, at least two hours before boarding. So you can proceed through check in and out of security at the required time. If you want to avoid delays through security, use TSA PreCheck or CLEARED. 

After you clear security at Terminal 1, there are several places to eat and shops like Trejo’s Tacos, Shake Shack and Hudson News. The terminal has free wifi and Charging stations for travelers if necessary.

If connecting from domestic travel to a flight, be aware that there is a good chance you may have to walk back out of the terminal and then take an airside shuttle to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) for your international gate. If you need to stay nearby, parking is convenient in Structure P1, and budget connecting parking is in Economy Lot E with shuttle service to terminal 1.

Los Angeles International Airport All Terminals

• LAX Terminal 2 – Los Angeles International Airport
• LAX Terminal 3 – Los Angeles International Airport (T3)
• LAX Terminal 4​ – Los Angeles International Airport
• LAX Terminal 5 – Los Angeles International Airport (T5)
• LAX Terminal 6​ – Los Angeles International Airport (T6)
• LAX Terminal 7 – Los Angeles International Airport (T7)

FAQs on Los Angeles International Airport – LAX Terminal 1