Navigating the Skies: A Comprehensive Guide to Airlines Flying to Long Beach Airport

Long Beach Airport (LGB), a convenient alternative to the bustling LAX, offers a more relaxed and streamlined travel experience. But what airlines actually grace its runways? Let’s cut to the chase: currently, the primary airlines operating at Long Beach Airport are Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Breeze Airways. This selection provides a decent range of domestic destinations, with a particular focus on the West Coast and select routes further afield. Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics and answer some crucial questions to help you plan your next Long Beach getaway.

Delving Deeper: Airlines and Their Long Beach Offerings

While the initial answer identifies the main players, understanding their respective footprints at LGB is key to making informed travel decisions.

Southwest Airlines: The Long Beach Powerhouse

Southwest Airlines undoubtedly holds the largest market share at Long Beach Airport. Known for its flexible booking policies (no change fees!), free checked bags (within limits), and friendly service, Southwest offers a broad network of domestic flights from LGB. Expect to find routes to popular destinations like:

• Oakland (OAK)
• Sacramento (SMF)
• Denver (DEN)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Dallas (DAL)

Southwest’s extensive schedule and frequent flights make it a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date route information, as schedules can vary seasonally.

Delta Air Lines: A Touch of Premium Service

Delta Air Lines provides a more limited, but still valuable, presence at Long Beach Airport. Delta generally focuses on connecting Long Beach to its major hubs, providing passengers with access to a broader network of destinations both domestically and internationally. Key Delta routes from LGB include:

• Salt Lake City (SLC)

From Salt Lake City, travelers can seamlessly connect to Delta’s vast network, opening up a world of travel possibilities. Delta’s offerings at LGB cater to passengers seeking a more premium travel experience, with options for upgraded seating and enhanced amenities.

Hawaiian Airlines: Island Paradise within Reach

Hawaiian Airlines offers a direct connection to the Aloha State, making your Hawaiian vacation even more accessible. Their service to Honolulu (HNL) is a popular choice for those looking to escape to the sun-drenched beaches of Oahu.

Hawaiian Airlines provides the quintessential Hawaiian experience from the moment you step onboard, with island-inspired meals and drinks, and the warm hospitality that the airline is known for. This route is a fantastic option to eliminate having to transit through LAX or other larger airports.

Breeze Airways: The New Kid on the Block

Breeze Airways, the newest addition to the LGB lineup, brings a fresh approach to air travel with its focus on point-to-point routes and affordable fares. While their presence at LGB is still relatively new, they offer some unique destinations directly from Long Beach, expanding your travel options. Breeze adds new routes quite regularly, so checking their website for current offerings is important.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Airlines at Long Beach Airport

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with even more detailed information about flying in and out of Long Beach Airport:

1. Are there any international flights directly from Long Beach Airport? As of now, Long Beach Airport primarily serves domestic destinations. There are no regularly scheduled international flights operating directly from LGB. Travelers seeking international flights typically connect through LAX or other major international hubs.

2. Which airline has the most flights at Long Beach Airport? Southwest Airlines undeniably operates the most flights out of Long Beach Airport. They have the most significant presence and offer the widest range of destinations from LGB.

3. Are there any budget airlines besides Southwest that fly to Long Beach? While Southwest is known for its competitive fares, Breeze Airways is the other airline that could be considered a budget airline, known for its focus on point-to-point routes and affordable prices.

4. Does Long Beach Airport have flights to the East Coast? Direct flights to the East Coast are generally limited from Long Beach. To reach East Coast destinations, you will likely need to connect through a hub airport served by Delta (like Salt Lake City) or take a flight out of LAX.

5. How can I find the cheapest flights to or from Long Beach Airport? To secure the best deals, consider these tips:

   • Be flexible with your travel dates: Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can often save you money.
   • Book in advance: Securing your flights well ahead of your travel date generally leads to better prices.
   • Use flight comparison websites: Utilize online tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner to compare prices across different airlines.
   • Consider nearby airports: Compare prices to LAX or John Wayne Airport (SNA) to see if they offer significantly cheaper options.

6. Is it easy to get to Long Beach Airport from Los Angeles? Yes, Long Beach Airport is relatively easy to access from Los Angeles. It is located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and can be reached by car via the I-405 freeway. Public transportation options, such as the Metro A Line (Blue Line) and connecting bus services, are also available, although the journey might be longer.

7. What are the parking options like at Long Beach Airport? Long Beach Airport offers several parking options, including:

   • Garage Parking: Covered parking located close to the terminal.
   • Outdoor Parking: Surface parking lots with varying distances to the terminal.
   • Economy Parking: A more budget-friendly option with shuttle service to the terminal.

   Check the Long Beach Airport website for current parking rates and availability.

8. Are there any hotels near Long Beach Airport? Yes, there are numerous hotels located within a short distance of Long Beach Airport, catering to various budgets and preferences. Many hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services for added convenience.

9. Does Long Beach Airport offer TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? Yes, Long Beach Airport participates in both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, allowing eligible travelers to expedite the security screening process.

10. What is the best time to arrive at Long Beach Airport before my flight? Given Long Beach Airport’s smaller size and generally shorter security lines compared to LAX, arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before your scheduled departure is typically sufficient for domestic flights. However, it is always wise to check with your airline for their specific recommendations.

11. Are there rental car services available at Long Beach Airport? Yes, several major rental car companies have counters located at Long Beach Airport, making it easy to rent a vehicle upon arrival. Popular options include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

12. Can I use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get to or from Long Beach Airport? Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at Long Beach Airport. Designated pick-up and drop-off zones are clearly marked for your convenience.

Final Thoughts: Soaring from Long Beach

Long Beach Airport offers a compelling alternative to the sprawling chaos of LAX. While the airline selection is more focused, the convenience, ease of navigation, and overall relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among many travelers. Keep this guide handy as you plan your next trip, and enjoy the smoother skies of Long Beach Airport!