Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Airport (LGB) is anticipating an elevated number of travelers during this winter’s holiday season, starting Thanksgiving week, and passengers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a smooth travel experience.  

"Our award-winning Long Beach Airport stands out as a trusted launchpad for holiday getaways, offering a seamless and stress-free travel experience even on the busiest travel days of the year," said Mayor Richardson. "Throughout its century-long history, LGB has consistently met the needs of travelers, and that sets it apart from other airports." 

Through its airline partners, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, an estimated 88,000 passengers will move through LGB on peak holiday travel weeks, with more than 14,000 passing through on the busiest days. That represents a 23% increase over average daily passenger traffic, marking one of the busiest holiday seasons on record for the Airport. That estimate also represents a 25% increase compared to pre-pandemic 2019 numbers. 

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. Travelers can 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. Plus, holiday shoppers looking for gifts will find special 100th–anniversary themed merchandise now available in LGB’s retail shops. 

“Long Beach Airport—recently named for a second consecutive year as one of the Top Ten in the country by Condé Nast Traveler magazine—offers a uniquely easygoing atmosphere, even in the peak of the travel season,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “LGB is a destination in itself, and we welcome visitors to arrive early and relax at our fire pit under the palm trees and enjoy our 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 at 3401 N. Lakewood Boulevard at the airport entrance. 
• Rideshare services can be accessed from the center median located in front of the Historic Terminal. 
• Ample self-parking is available in Structure A and B as well and valet service is conveniently located at 4137 Donald Douglas Drive.  
• Download the free LGB Airport app, available in Apple and Google Play app stores, which provides information on arrivals, departures, parking and shopping. 
• 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. 

Air carriers at Long Beach Airport—including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines—currently offer service to 24 nonstop destinations around the nation, which is more nonstop service than at any time in LGB’s nearly 100-year history. 

About the City of Long Beach  
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. 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.