Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport for check-in and most departures. Its flights generally use Gates 60 through 69. International arrival processing can be different, so passengers should confirm the arrival terminal in the Alaska Airlines app or on the LAX flight-status page before traveling.
Terminal 6 offers an Alaska Lounge, restaurants, shops, complimentary airport Wi-Fi, charging access, family facilities, and connections to neighboring terminals. This guide explains where to check in, when to arrive, how to reach your gate, and where to find transportation after landing.
Quick Answer
Alaska Airlines checks in and operates most departures from Terminal 6 at LAX, using Gates 60 through 69. International arrival processing may take place in Terminal 6 or Tom Bradley International Terminal, depending on the flight and arrival time. Always verify the terminal and gate on your travel day.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines check-in and most departures are in Terminal 6 at LAX.
- Terminal 6 contains Gates 60 through 69.
- Some international arrivals use Terminal 6, while others are processed at Tom Bradley International Terminal.
- The Alaska Lounge is on the mezzanine level near Gate 64, but entry rules apply.
- Standard Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxi pickups are generally handled at the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1.
- Check the Alaska app, LAX flight displays, and current construction notices before leaving for the airport.
Last verified: July 2026. Terminal assignments, ticket-counter hours, lounge policies, pickup locations, and construction routes can change. Confirm your flight details on the day of travel.
Alaska Airlines terminal, gates, and arrivals at LAX
Alaska Airlines’ ticket counters, bag-drop area, security access, and most departure gates are in Terminal 6. The terminal serves Gates 60 through 69 and is located on the south side of the LAX terminal loop.
| Check-in terminal | Terminal 6 |
| Typical departure gates | Gates 60–69 |
| Domestic arrivals | Usually Terminal 6; verify the live flight record |
| International arrivals | Terminal 6 during certain processing hours or Tom Bradley International Terminal at other times |
| Alaska Lounge | Terminal 6 mezzanine, near Gate 64 |
According to the current Alaska Airlines LAX airport guide, international arrivals scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. may be processed in Terminal 6. International arrivals outside that period may be processed at Tom Bradley International Terminal, also called Terminal B.
Warning: Do not rely only on a general terminal guide when meeting an international passenger. Check the flight’s live arrival terminal and baggage-claim information because processing locations can change.
History of Alaska Airlines and its presence at LAX
Alaska Airlines traces its history to 1932, when Linious “Mac” McGee started McGee Airways with a three-passenger aircraft in Anchorage. After several mergers and name changes, the company became Alaska Airlines in the 1940s. Alaska’s official company history provides more detail about its early operations and expansion.
The airline later expanded south from Alaska into Seattle, Portland, California, and other markets. Its LAX operation became an important part of its West Coast network, connecting Southern California with cities in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and other destinations.
Alaska has continued to develop its presence at LAX through route changes, partnerships, airport improvements, and closer coordination with Hawaiian Airlines. Travelers may now see combined Alaska and Hawaiian counter signage in the Terminal 6 ticketing lobby.
Amenities and services for Alaska Airlines passengers
Terminal 6 has staffed ticket counters, self-service options, baggage facilities, flight-information screens, restrooms, water facilities, ATMs, complimentary airport Wi-Fi, and seating near the departure gates. The official terminal map also identifies a nursing room and a service-animal or pet-relief area.
Check-in and baggage drop
Alaska and Hawaiian use combined counter signage at LAX. Alaska’s current airport guide lists separate domestic and international counter schedules, so travelers with an early or late flight should check the official guide before arriving.
Checked baggage is accepted only while the ticket counter is open and generally no more than four hours before scheduled departure. Check-in and bag-drop cutoff times are earlier than the flight’s departure time, so arriving at the airport shortly before boarding is not sufficient.
Security screening
After checking bags, follow signs for the Terminal 6 Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. Security wait times vary by time of day, holidays, staffing, construction, and passenger volume.
Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR should follow the signs at the checkpoint and confirm that the appropriate indicator appears on their boarding pass. Availability and operating hours can change.
Alaska Lounge at LAX
The Alaska Lounge is on the Terminal 6 mezzanine level near Gate 64. Alaska currently lists the lounge as open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., although hours can change.
The lounge offers seating, food and snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, power access, and workspace. However, lounge admission is not included with every first-class ticket or elite status level. Entry may depend on lounge membership, itinerary, ticket type, flight distance, oneworld status, a qualifying pass, available capacity, or other current rules.
Review the official Alaska Lounge location and hours and lounge access policies before assuming that your ticket includes entry. Single-entry passes may be sold when space is available.
Dining and shopping options in Terminal 6
| Category | Options listed in the Terminal 6 directory |
|---|---|
| Dining | Starbucks Evenings, The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, California Pizza Kitchen, Earthbar, Point the Way Cafe, Peet’s Coffee, The Habit Burger Grill, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and Club 42 Tequila Bar & Bites |
| Shopping | Sunset News, See’s Candies, DFS Duty Free, Market 8600, MAC, Gameway, Belkin, M.Fredric, and Los Angeles Magazine News |
| Services | Complimentary Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, luggage carts, nursing room, pet-relief area, water fountains, and water dispensers |
Travelers can choose from coffee, quick meals, burgers, pizza, tacos, health-focused snacks, and sit-down food and beverage options. Opening hours may vary, and some businesses may close before the final flights of the evening.
Terminal 6 also has newsstands, convenience items, electronics accessories, cosmetics, candy, fashion products, and duty-free shopping. The exact mix can change, so consult the current LAX Terminal 6 guide or airport map if a particular restaurant or service is important to your trip.
Pro Tip: A same-day boarding pass can provide access to dining and retail in other connected LAX terminals, but allow enough time to return to your gate before boarding closes.
Transportation to and from Terminal 6
Terminal 6 can be reached by private vehicle, ride app, taxi, FlyAway bus, hotel shuttle, parking shuttle, rental-car transportation, and public transit connections. Pickup procedures are different from departure drop-offs, so follow the signs for the service you are using.
Private vehicle drop-off and pickup
Drivers may drop departing passengers at Terminal 6 on the Upper/Departures Level. Private vehicles collecting arriving passengers generally use the outer curb on the Lower/Arrivals Level outside baggage claim.
LAX has garages within the Central Terminal Area as well as an economy parking facility served by airport transportation. Parking rates, reservation requirements, entrance routes, and available spaces can change, so check the official LAX parking information before driving.
Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxis
Ride-app vehicles and taxis may drop departing travelers directly at Terminal 6. Standard ride-app and taxi pickups after arrival are generally handled at the LAX-it lot beside Terminal 1.
To reach LAX-it, go to the Lower/Arrivals Level and follow the green LAX-it signs. Passengers can use the free shuttle or follow the marked walking route. Premium ride categories, limousines, town cars, and private vehicles may have different curbside pickup rules.
Review the current LAX-it instructions before requesting a ride because pickup procedures may be adjusted as airport transportation projects progress.
FlyAway bus and public transportation
The LAX FlyAway bus currently provides scheduled service between the airport and LA Union Station or Van Nuys. The former Hollywood route is no longer operating.
Passengers leaving LAX board FlyAway buses on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway columns. Schedules, fares, accepted payment methods, and travel times can change. Check the official FlyAway page before traveling.
Other public transportation trips may involve an airport shuttle or connection to the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Follow the current airport signs rather than relying on an older map or saved travel instructions.
Hotel, parking, and rental-car transportation
Hotel and private parking shuttles use designated curb zones identified by airport signs. Rental-car operations are located away from the passenger terminals, so follow the current signs and instructions from your rental company.
Because LAX transportation routes are changing during airport-wide modernization, allow extra time for road congestion, shuttle waits, and temporary stop relocations.
Tips for navigating Terminal 6 and improving your Alaska Airlines experience
Plan ahead and avoid delays
A safe general plan is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. Extra time is especially useful when checking bags, traveling with pets, requesting accessibility assistance, traveling during a holiday, or dealing with major airport construction.
Alaska’s airport guide gives a shorter recommendation for passengers who have no checked bags and do not need ticket-counter help. Treat that as a minimum under favorable conditions, not a guarantee that every security line or terminal drive will be quick.
Check in before reaching the airport
Use the Alaska Airlines website or app to check in, review travel notices, confirm baggage details, and save your boarding pass. Check the flight again before entering the airport because gates and terminals can change after check-in.
Familiarize yourself with the terminal layout
Terminal 6 includes a connector leading to the main gate area and satellite gates. Follow the overhead signs and flight-information displays rather than assuming that every gate is a short walk from security.
The southside terminals have post-security connections. Terminal 6 passengers may reach neighboring terminals through corridors and tunnels without leaving the secure area when the route is open. Walking to a distant terminal can still take time, and construction may affect the normal path.
Pro Tip: Check both the gate number and boarding time before visiting another terminal. Boarding doors can close before the scheduled departure time, and returning from a distant restaurant may take longer than expected.
Use flight displays and notifications
Keep notifications enabled in the Alaska app and compare them with the airport’s flight-information screens. If the two sources show different information, ask an Alaska Airlines employee near the gate or customer-service area.
Traveling with children, pets, or accessibility needs
The Terminal 6 directory identifies a nursing room, accessible restrooms, elevators, and a service-animal or pet-relief area. Travelers who need wheelchair assistance should arrange it through the airline before departure when possible.
Passengers traveling with a pet should review Alaska’s reservation, kennel, documentation, weather, and check-in requirements before going to the airport. Pet check-in can require more time than standard travel.
Prepare for LAX traffic and construction
Traffic within the terminal loop can be slow even when nearby freeways are moving normally. Check live traffic and current construction notices before departure, then add a buffer for the drive from the airport entrance to Terminal 6.
Terminal 6 modernization and future LAX changes
The Terminal 6 modernization described in older travel guides is no longer merely a future proposal. Los Angeles World Airports lists the $230 million project as completed in 2025.
The work included renovated gate areas, improved holdrooms, new passenger boarding bridges, additional gates, airfield infrastructure, upgraded technology, lounge-area work, and improved access to federal inspection facilities. Details are available on the official LAWA Terminal 6 project page.
Airport-wide work around LAX continues. Roadways, transportation stops, terminal connections, and access to the SkyLink automated people mover may continue to change as additional projects open or enter new construction phases.
Note: A terminal map saved months ago may not reflect temporary construction paths or pickup locations. Use current airport signs and the latest LAX transportation information on your travel day.
Conclusion
Alaska Airlines passengers should begin at Terminal 6 for check-in and most departures from LAX. The terminal serves Gates 60 through 69 and provides an Alaska Lounge, restaurants, shops, Wi-Fi, family facilities, and connections to other southside terminals.
The most important exception involves international arrivals, which may be processed in Terminal 6 or Tom Bradley International Terminal. Travelers should also remember that standard ride-app pickups generally use LAX-it rather than the Terminal 6 curb.
Checking your flight, gate, arrival terminal, traffic conditions, and transportation instructions shortly before travel is the best way to avoid surprises. For another practical travel accessory, see this guide to scarves with hidden pockets.
Sources
- Alaska Airlines LAX Airport Guide — terminal, gates, counter hours, baggage acceptance, arrival processing, and recommended arrival times
- LAX Terminal 6 Information — airlines, gates, terminal map, facilities, and terminal connections
- Alaska Lounge Locations and Hours — LAX lounge location and operating hours
- Alaska Lounge Policies and Rules — membership, ticket, status, guest, and pass requirements
- LAX Ground Transportation — ride apps, taxis, parking, FlyAway, shuttles, and current transportation procedures
- Los Angeles World Airports Terminal 6 Project — modernization scope and 2025 completion status
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Alaska Airlines at LAX?
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 for check-in and most departures at LAX. Its flights generally depart from Gates 60 through 69. Verify the live gate before going through security.
Where do Alaska Airlines international flights arrive at LAX?
International arrivals may be processed in Terminal 6 or Tom Bradley International Terminal. Alaska’s current guide says arrivals during certain daytime hours may use Terminal 6, while arrivals outside those hours may use Terminal B. Check the live flight record before meeting a passenger.
How early should I arrive for an Alaska Airlines flight at LAX?
Plan to arrive about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allow additional time for checked bags, pets, accessibility assistance, holidays, heavy traffic, or construction.
Where is the Alaska Lounge at LAX?
The Alaska Lounge is on the mezzanine level of Terminal 6 near Gate 64. Alaska currently lists daily hours of 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., but travelers should verify the hours before visiting.
Does an Alaska Airlines first-class ticket include lounge access at LAX?
Not every first-class ticket includes lounge access. Eligibility depends on factors such as fare class, flight distance, itinerary, membership, status, and whether the ticket was upgraded. Paid single-entry access may be available when the lounge has space.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up Alaska Airlines passengers at LAX?
Standard Uber, Lyft, Opoli, and taxi pickups are generally handled at the LAX-it lot beside Terminal 1. From Terminal 6, follow the green signs to the free LAX-it shuttle on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Premium ride categories and private vehicles may have different curbside rules.
Can I walk from Terminal 6 to other LAX terminals after security?
Terminal 6 has post-security connections to other southside terminals through corridors and tunnels. Walking times vary, so check the airport map and leave enough time to return before boarding closes.
What dining and shopping options are in Terminal 6?
The terminal directory lists businesses such as Starbucks Evenings, The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, California Pizza Kitchen, Earthbar, Point the Way Cafe, Peet’s Coffee, The Habit Burger Grill, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, DFS Duty Free, See’s Candies, Gameway, Belkin, and several news and convenience stores.
