Luggage Rules for LAX Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the seventh busiest passenger airport in the world. The airport is a domestic and international gateway, filled with bustling passengers catching flights to destinations all over the world. Like all major airports, Los Angeles Airport has luggage requirements and security measures that are designed to maintain traveler safety while making traveling through the airport as smooth as possible. The following luggage requirements will ensure that your luggage remains within LAX standards.

LAX follows the standard luggage requirements found in all passenger airports throughout the United States. The airport recommends that travelers prepare their luggage before they get to the airport for check-in. In order to avoid confusion, all old claim tickets should be removed before arriving at the airport. Luggage should be clearly identified with luggage tags and labels that contain traveler ‘s name, address and telephone numbers. Luggage should not be over-packed, with the ability to be zipped or closed to ensure that contents do not fall out during transport.

LAX follows industry and government standards regarding checked luggage. As previously stated, luggage must be clearly labeled for identification purposes. The airport recommends labeling the inside of the luggage and placing a copy of your itinerary inside your bags. Airports have lost and founds in case baggage is lost. Travelers are allowed to check bags that do not exceed the 50-pound weight limit. Bags that exceed the weight requirement are subject to additional fees that are determined by individual airlines. Travelers are asked to check luggage early to guarantee that their luggage will make it onto originating and connecting flights.

All carry-on bags must meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) safety requirements to successfully pass through security, and they must be able to fit through X-ray machines during security screening. Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag, plus one additional personal item: a briefcase, purse, backpack, camera case or laptop computer. Carry-on items are a good place to store valuables, like credit cards, cell phones, and boarding passes. Carry-on bags cannot exceed 45 linear inches (height+weight+depth). Liquid and gel personal hygiene items must be packed in clear zip-lock bags in individual containers that are not larger than 3.4 oz.; larger containers of liquids must be packed in checked luggage. No aerosols can be packed in carry-on baggage.

Checked baggage will be subject to X-ray before they are loaded on the aircraft. The airport recommends using TSA-recognized baggage locks to ensure their accessibility to be opened by a “master lock” if TSA employees need to look inside the bag. TSA-recognized luggage locks are available at retailers located throughout LAX.

Because of increased safety concerns and regulations, lockers and oversize storage areas are no longer available at LAX. The airport has not set a date for the restoration of locker and storage service.

Travelers are asked to keep an eye on their luggage at all times. Travelers should not pack or carry items for others or strangers; do not watch bags for strangers. Travelers are asked to report any unattended luggage to airport security.

Be sure to review TSA travel requirements before packing your luggage.

LAX peak travel periods are from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on domestic flights. Additional peak periods for domestic and international flights are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.