Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) expects to see an elevated number of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday week, and travelers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

“We’re expecting to see the Long Beach Airport continue its strong economic recovery during this holiday travel season,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Our award-winning airport is a fantastic community asset and we wish our residents and visitors safe travels next week.”

Estimates indicate that passenger numbers will reach close to 2019 levels. Load factors for more than 43,000 available seats on 46 daily flights out of Long Beach are forecast to average more than 80% from Nov. 21 to Nov. 27, compared to an average of 70% for the same weeklong period last year. On select days, load factors will be as high as 97%. Strong demand is expected throughout the remainder of the holiday season and into early January.

Through its four airline partners, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, an estimated 72,000 passengers will move through LGB throughout the week, with more than 12,000 passing through on the busiest days.

For good cheer during the holiday travel season, the Airport is featuring live musical performances by local artists on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons as part of its LGB Live! seasonal music series.

“Long Beach Airport is known for offering an easygoing experience that makes us very attractive during the holiday rush,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “Even during the busiest travel days of the year, we are confident we can deliver calm, cool and convenient travel options for passengers. 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.”

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.
• Check your airline’s baggage rules and verify flight schedules in advance.
• Drivers waiting to pick up passengers are encouraged to use the free and conveniently located Cell Phone Waiting Lot (3401 N. Lakewood Blvd.) at the entrance to the Airport.
• Rideshare services can be accessed from the center median located in front of the Historic Terminal.
• Self-parking is available in Structure A and B and valet service is conveniently located at 4137 Donald Douglas Drive.
• Download the free LGB Airport app, which provides information on arrivals, departures, parking and shopping.
• Accessibility information to help travelers with mobility challenges is available on the LGB website.
• Travelers with pets and service animals should note the location of the relief area north of the terminal and check their airline’s policies for traveling with animals in advance
• Packing properly can facilitate the screening process, so visit the Transportation Security Administration's What Can I Bring? website for details.

LGB offers nonstop service to 17 destinations across the nation, including Hawaii. Learn more at lgb.org/destinations.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Long Beach Airport 
Founded in 1923, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the oldest airport in California. Among its many awards, LGB was named one of the 2022 Top Ten airports in the country by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine. LGB offers non-stop service to several U.S. cities while supporting a healthy general aviation community with more than 300,000 annual operations. The Airport is also a source of substantial economic activity and employment, with the LGB Aviation Complex generating $8.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 46,000 jobs. LGB is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars. The Airport prides itself in preserving its esteemed historic legacy and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LGBAirport.