LAX long layover help please

Question

We’re are arriving internationally at 1pm, I could have booked a connecting domestic flight at 4pm but having been caught in immigration before for 2 hours thought if we are delayed at all that is too tight, so now I have a 10:30 pm flight on Southwest. I was happy to pay to go in a lounge in terminal 1, but have just discovered there isn’t one (just a spa). Any suggestions on how to fill the time?

Answer

With a long layover at LAX between 1 pm and 10:30 pm, you have plenty of time to make your wait comfortable and even enjoyable, despite the lack of a lounge in Terminal 1. Here are some ways to fill your time and stay relaxed.

Inside the airport:

Visit a nearby lounge: Even though Terminal 1 doesn’t have its own lounge, you can access other lounges via a short walk or shuttle. Options include the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 or The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4 if you have Amex or are willing to pay a day pass. Check current access policies.
Airport spa: Terminal 1 has a small spa; consider a massage or other treatments to relax after your international flight.
Dining and shopping: LAX has a wide range of restaurants and shops. Use the time to enjoy a sit-down meal, explore local-themed stores, or pick up any travel essentials.
Walk or stretch: Long layovers can be tough on your body. LAX terminals are long, so a gentle walk, stretching, or even some light exercise can keep you refreshed for your next flight.
Quiet corners or seating areas: Terminal 1 has seating near gates and less crowded areas where you can relax, read, or work. Noise-canceling headphones or a travel pillow can make a big difference.

Outside the airport (if you’re comfortable leaving for a few hours):

Short trip to nearby hotels: Some hotels near LAX offer day rooms or lounges where you can shower, nap, or have a light meal. Consider The Westin or Hyatt Regency near the airport.
Visit a nearby beach: If you feel like a quick adventure, Playa del Rey or Manhattan Beach are both about 20–30 minutes away. A walk along the beach or grabbing a casual meal at a seaside café can be refreshing.
Grab a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle: If venturing out, plan plenty of time to get back through security. LAX security lines can be long in the evening, especially for domestic flights.

Entertainment options:

Bring a tablet or laptop to stream shows, movies, or music while lounging in a quiet corner or paying lounge.
Download an audiobook or e-book for a relaxing few hours of reading.
If you enjoy people-watching, LAX terminals are always busy and offer plenty of activity for observation and casual photography.

Overall, combining a lounge visit in a nearby terminal, airport dining, light exercise, and optional short excursions outside the airport can make your 9+ hour layover comfortable, relaxing, and even memorable.

LAX long layover help please

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