562.570.2679
Kate.Kuykendall@longbeach.gov
Airport Public Affairs Officer
Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) is anticipating an elevated number of travelers during Thanksgiving week, and passengers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a smooth travel experience.
“Whether you're reuniting with loved ones or setting off on a seasonal adventure, Long Beach Airport is committed to offering comfort and convenience, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination itself,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We’re proud to offer an easy, stress-free travel experience on some of the busiest travel days of the year.”
Through its airline partners, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, an estimated 130,000 passengers will move through LGB during the 10-day holiday period from Friday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Dec. 1. That represents an 8% increase over the same time frame last year, marking one of the busiest holiday seasons on record for the Airport.
Dec. 1 is expected to be the busiest travel day with more than 16,000 travelers. Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Wednesday, Nov. 27 will also be some of the busiest days of the season with more than 15,000 travelers anticipated to pass through the Airport each day. These passenger numbers are estimated to be about 32% higher on average than a typical November day at LGB.
“Long Beach Airport’s easygoing atmosphere makes us very attractive during the holiday rush,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “Even during the busiest travel days of the season, we deliver a calm, cool and convenient travel experience. We have ample, affordable parking just steps away from the Ticketing Lobby and a relaxing indoor-outdoor concourse environment with palm trees, a fire pit and local shops and restaurants.”
Due to the large number of travelers, LGB will pause its Terminal Roadway Improvements construction project during Thanksgiving week so that all lanes will remain open. More information is available at www.LGBRoadImprovements.com.
For the smoothest, stress-free travel experience, LGB offers the following tips:
- Arrive 90 minutes early, especially for morning flights, to allow adequate time to pass through security.
- For drivers picking up passengers, please wait in one of two free Cell Phone Waiting Lots, located on the northwest and southwest corners of Lakewood Boulevard and East Donald Douglas Drive, until your passenger calls to let you know they are ready on the curb. Circling around Donald Douglas Drive or waiting at the curb increases congestion for everyone.
- Parking is available in Structures A and B and valet service is conveniently located at 4137 Donald Douglas Dr., just north of the Historic Terminal.
- Check your airline’s baggage rules and verify flight schedules in advance.
- Packing properly can facilitate the screening process, so visit the Transportation Security Administration's What Can I Bring? website for details.
- Travelers with pets and service animals should note the location of the relief area north of the Historic Terminal and check their airline’s policies for traveling with animals in advance.
Travelers can also enjoy some extra good cheer at the Airport during the holidays with live musical performances by local artists as part of the LGB Live! seasonal music series.
Situated at a central position between Los Angeles and Orange counties, Long Beach Airport provides a distinctively stress-free journey and a first-class customer experience with service from major air carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines.
About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.