COVID-19 Safety Measures at Los Angeles Intl Airport

You should familiarise yourself with the COVID-19 safety measures at Los Angeles International Airport before you travel. These rules and protocols are in place to keep you and the people around you safe. The airport has developed its own procedures, which may differ from those you’ve experienced in other cities around the world.

Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport

All travellers coming from out of the country must have a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival to the United States. A proof of the negative test would need to be available either in a written or electronic form. Most airlines will also require this as a necessary document at the time of check-in for your flight to the US.
Currently travellers, visiting outside of California, are required to complete a 'Traveler Form' online. Any passenger who fail to submit the form will be subject to a fine of USD $500.

The Department of Homeland Security is ultimately responsible for COVID-19 safety throughout Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is why the procedures in place are some of the most comprehensive in the world.

Fully-vaccinated traveller: For domestic travel, fully-vaccinated travellers are not subjected to quarantine if not showing any COVID-19 symptoms, however, for international travel, it is recommended to go through a viral test 3 to 5 days after arrival.
Non-vaccinated traveller: 1. 7-days quarantine after travel if they get a negative COVID-19 viral test result collected 3-5 days after their arrival OR 2. 10-days quarantines after travel if they did not get tested with a COVID-19 viral test after their arrival OR 3. 14-days self-monitor quarantine for symptoms of COVID-19 after travel (isolate and avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness)

On-Site Rapid COVID Testing at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport offers COVID Testing* at the following locations: Terminal 6 and two satellite locations in Terminal 2 and the other in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Standard PCR Test (Nasal-swab Polymerase Chain Reaction): Fee USD $125 with results returned in three to five hours - offered at all 3 locations
Rapid PCR tests: Fee USD $199 with results in one-hour or less - offered at the arrivals level of the Tom Bradley International Terminal
Antigen tests: Fee USD $80 with results available in under 1-hour - offered at Terminal 6 and at the Tom Bradley International Terminal daily from 9:00 am to noon

*Test results will be returned electronically. Travellers can book for an appointment and also find further details on the LAX site.

Departing from Los Angeles International Airport

Whether you are fully-vaccinated or not, passengers are subject to strict COVID-19 safety measures from the moment they enter airport property. This includes everyone inside the airport terminals and ground transportation and is required to wear a face-covering at all times. Anyone over the age of two MUST wear a face-covering unless they have a certified medical exemption. You should also practise regular hand washing and social distancing. You should not travel to the airport if you have COVID-19 symptoms. If staff suspect you have any of these symptoms, you could be screened. You will need to briefly lower your face covering to identify yourself when passing through security. It is advised to bring extra masks for your trip, also for your return trip.

Screening and testing

Mandatory entry screenings are required for some passengers arriving from countries experiencing high transmission rates. These screenings are conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 signage

You will see COVID-19 signage in all areas of Los Angeles International Airport. This is there to keep you and those around you safe. As well as information on mask-wearing and social distancing, there’ll be advice on hygiene. There is also signage indicating no-go areas, one-way systems and restricted zones. Physical distancing is made easier by the floor markings located in all of the terminal buildings.

Cleaning protocols

Los Angeles International Airport has introduced its most stringent cleaning regime ever. Trained cleaning crews patrol public areas and toilets throughout the day. It is the goal of these crews to clean every restroom at least once an hour. High-touch areas are given extra attention; these include doorknobs, counters, grab rails, seating, ticket machines and water fountains. The airport’s management meets regularly with third-party cleaning contractors to ensure the very latest cleaning protocols are in place and being observed. Other hygiene measures in place include the use of plexiglass barriers, advanced air filtration systems and touch-free faucets.

Airport restaurants and shop facilities

Currently, a few eating establishments at Los Angeles International Airport are open, however, have reduced their hours of operations and have limited food and beverage services. Travellers can remove their masks when eating, however, must place it back on once they are done with their meal. Some restaurants allow travellers to order food online to avoid the hassle of waiting in line to order. You can find what’s open at the Shop and Dine on the LAX Airport site.

Healthy traveller tips

To help passengers stay safe, there are several COVID-19 safety measurements at Los Angeles International Airport. But passengers are encouraged to be proactive, too. For example, people are asked not to travel to the airport if they’re experiencing symptoms. While a mask or face covering must be worn in the airport buildings at all times (except when eating or drinking), you will be required to lower it at the TSA checkpoint for identification purposes.

Book a flight to Los Angeles International Airport in confidence

The comprehensive measures in place are there to help minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 as you pass through their airport, but also to put your mind at rest. Book your next flight in confidence with BudgetAir. Also, check out the BudgetAir blog for travel advice and information. Be sure to check the most recent information before traveling, as changes are regularly made and advice updated accordingly.

*Return fares per person, including taxes, excluding the £4.99 booking fee.