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

“Our award-winning airport is the best way to start a holiday vacation,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Especially as we approach some of the year’s busiest travel days, LGB is a great choice to keep your trip easy and stress-free.”

Estimates indicate that passenger numbers will reach close to 2019 levels. Of the 43,000 available seats on 46 daily flights out of Long Beach, an average of more than 82% are forecast to be full in December, compared to an average of 70% for the same monthlong period last year. On select days, 97% of seats are likely to be full. Strong demand is expected throughout the remainder of December 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 on the peak holiday travel weeks, 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—recently named one of the Top Ten in the country by Condé Nast Traveler magazine—is known for offering an easygoing experience that makes us very attractive during the busy holiday season,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. 

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.
• 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, 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; and
• 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.