What You Need to Know About Baggage Policies at Los Angeles International Airport

LAX is the seventh busiest passenger airport in the world.

Ranking as the seventh busiest passenger airport globally, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) operates as a gateway for both domestic and international flights, with throngs of travelers heading to destinations worldwide. As is the case with other major airports, LAX enforces baggage policies aimed at keeping travelers safe and ensuring that movement through the airport is as efficient as possible. Adhering to the following baggage guidelines will help ensure your luggage meets LAX standards.

General Baggage Guidelines

LAX follows the standard luggage requirements found in all passenger airports throughout the United States.

LAX adheres to the standard baggage policies observed at passenger airports across the United States. The airport advises travelers to get their luggage ready before arriving at the airport. To prevent any mix-ups, all old claim tickets should be taken off before you reach the airport. Bags need to be clearly marked with luggage tags and labels showing the traveler's name, address, and telephone numbers. Avoid over-packing; luggage should be able to be zipped or closed so that items do not spill out while being transported.

Checked Baggage

LAX follows industry and government standards regarding checked luggage.

For checked baggage, LAX complies with industry and government regulations. As mentioned earlier, bags must be clearly labeled for identification. The airport suggests putting a label inside the luggage and placing a copy of your itinerary inside your bags. Travelers may check bags that weigh no more than 50 pounds. Bags over this weight limit will incur additional fees set by each airline. Travelers are encouraged to check their luggage early to help ensure it makes it onto both originating and connecting flights.

Carry-On Baggage

Carry-on bags must be able to fit through X-ray machines.

All carry-on bags must comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) safety rules to clear security, and they must fit through X-ray machines. Each traveler is permitted one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a briefcase, purse, backpack, camera case, or laptop computer. Carry-on bags must not exceed 45 linear inches (height + width + depth). Liquid personal hygiene items must be placed in clear zip-lock bags, with each container no larger than 3.4 oz.; larger liquid containers must go in checked luggage.

Baggage Locks

Checked bags will be subject to X-ray before they are loaded on the aircraft.

Checked bags will undergo X-ray screening before being loaded onto the aircraft. The airport recommends using TSA-recognized baggage locks so that they can be opened with a "master lock" if TSA employees need to inspect the inside of the bag. TSA-recognized luggage locks can be purchased at retailers throughout LAX.

Airport Baggage Storage

Lockers and oversize storage areas are no longer available.

Due to heightened safety concerns and regulations, lockers and oversize storage areas are no longer offered at LAX. The airport has not announced a date for when locker and storage services might return.

Keep an Eye on Your Baggage

Keep your luggage in sight at all times if possible.

Travelers are urged to watch their luggage at all times. Do not pack or carry items for others or strangers; do not watch bags for strangers. Travelers should report any unattended luggage to airport security.

Useful Tips

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

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

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