The Problem with LAX
My sister was just in town for short business trip. Given the packed schedule for her conference, the only way I could spend time with her was to take her from and to LAX, the major airport in our fair city.
Driving to LAX is not one of my favorite things to do, but seeing my sister is. So, on my way back from the Log Cabin “convention” in San Diego, I picked her up and returned her there today. As her conference was in Westlake Village (deep in the San Fernando Valley), I, aware of (for lack of better term) the vicissitudes of LA traffic, suggested we set out for the airport at least three hours ahead of time, given we’d have to use the dreaded 405 (which, I believe, is the most congested freeway in the nation).
As luck would have it, we only had one rough patch of slow traffic, arriving at the airport well ahead of schedule (two hours before her departure). So, I thought we’d find a cafe and spend some quality time together. But, it seems that only a few of the terminals (and not the Southwest one) have sit-down establishments this side of security.
(The absence of restaurants and cafes at most terminals saving the Bradley (for international flights) is just one of the many problems of LAX. On busy days, traffic can be a nightmare. And if you drop someone off at the departure gate, you have to drive quite a piece to park your car near her terminal.)
So, I had to improvise a meal (protein bars from the snack shop; she had a box lunch from the conference) and sit in a dreary waiting area. At least, we had time to spend together, but you’d think airport management would realize that some people do arrive early for their flights and would like to visit with friends and family before they depart. And might want to grab a bite while they wait.
Well, there is a decent (if a tad cheesy) place at the Burbank Airport. So, next time my sister promises to fly into that less congested terminal. And I will have greater reason to look forward to her next visit.
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BUR would be closer.
I remember the last two times I flew to visit my friend in Dana Point, he had me fly into SAN rather than bother with LAX. I really miss being able to go to the gate with your company. I used to be able to wait with TGCpartner before his flights depart. Now I have to kiss him quickly at passenger drop-off and move the car.
Comment by ThatGayConservative — April 16, 2008 @ 1:27 am - April 16, 2008
I heartily recommend Ontario International Airport, conveniently located less than one hour’s drive from downtown Los Angeles. Cheap ($8 per day) and ample parking within walking distance of the terminals and very short security lines contribute to a pleasant flying experience.
Comment by Christopher (Chino, California) — April 16, 2008 @ 1:45 am - April 16, 2008
finding a place to eat is the least of LAX’s problems. With all the new procedures, check in kiosks, luggage screening and long lines for security – it has all become one big zoo. Of course that is a problem at all of our big airports.
Burbank is much better, but not if you are flying cross-country. Long Beach airport is a total throw back to the 50′s, great if you can grab a Jet Blue flight.
Comment by Leah — April 16, 2008 @ 8:44 am - April 16, 2008
LAX should install slot machines … like the ones they have at McCarren in Las Vegas for the sole purpose of sucking that last quarter from your pocket.
Comment by Julie the Jarhead — April 16, 2008 @ 10:19 am - April 16, 2008
I find it somewhat amusing when democrats say, if Obama is the candidate, or if Hillary is, they’ll vote for McCain. To me, Obama and Hillary are one in the same – marxist, who will destroy this country, more so than those idiot leftists claim Bush has.
Comment by LesbianNeoCon — April 16, 2008 @ 12:14 pm - April 16, 2008
LOL – I posted that last comment on the wrong thingy!! Sorry!!
Comment by LesbianNeoCon — April 16, 2008 @ 1:48 pm - April 16, 2008
I passed through LAX in late January. I cannot believe how utterly filthy and run down it has become. Not just the dirt and trash and sea of chewing gum on the sidewalks. It is the make-do-and-mend appearance of the place. The “temporary” barriers I remember being in the same place five years ago. Stacks of building materials rotting away, unused.
My profession is industrial and commercial lighting. LAX seems to be throwing whatever is handy at repair problems, creating a mix of compact fluorescent, metal halide, high pressure sodium, and even some left-over mercury vapor stuff, all in the same fixture types, but in no set pattern or order. Throw in induction-lamp wall packs and you have a maintenance nightmare. I truly pity the poor fellow who does the rounds with the lamp-and-ballast cart.
And will someone tell me when the DECADE-LONG tear-up of Bradley Terminal will end?
Ninety minute luggage waits, dirt and trash strewn about, busted escalators, cave-like lighting in Bradley. I know LAX is rapidly turning into a Third World city; the airport shows it. I am a native of LA and am darn glad I left. For those Angelinos who say to me “good riddance”, fine. I don’t mind at all.
Comment by the friendly grizzly — April 16, 2008 @ 8:46 pm - April 16, 2008