Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for check-in and most departures. The terminal contains gates 60–69, Alaska’s ticketing and bag-drop facilities, and an Alaska Lounge near Gate 64. Because gates can change during construction or irregular operations, confirm the terminal and gate in the Alaska app or on your boarding pass before traveling.
Quick Answer
Alaska Airlines is in Terminal 6 at LAX. Check in and drop checked bags on the Upper/Departures Level, then follow signs to security and gates 60–69. Arriving passengers normally collect bags on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Always verify your live boarding pass because individual flights may use a different gate.
Key Takeaways
- Terminal: Alaska Airlines checks in at LAX Terminal 6.
- Gates: Terminal 6 contains gates 60–69, but the assigned gate can change.
- Arrival time: Plan to arrive about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
- Lounge: The Alaska Lounge is on the mezzanine near Gate 64 and is normally open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
- Rideshare pickup: Most Uber, Lyft, and taxi pickups take place at the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1, not directly outside Terminal 6.
What Terminal Is Alaska Airlines at LAX?
Alaska Airlines is located in Terminal 6 at LAX. Alaska and its regional operation, Horizon Air, use the terminal alongside several other carriers. Ticketing and departures are on the upper level, while baggage claim and passenger pickup are on the lower level.
Terminal 6 at a Glance
| Airline Terminal | Terminal 6 |
| Gate Area | Gates 60–69; check the live boarding pass for the assigned gate |
| Ticketing and Bag Drop | Upper/Departures Level |
| Baggage Claim | Lower/Arrivals Level; confirm the carousel on airport displays |
| Alaska Lounge | Mezzanine near Gate 64; normally open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Recommended Arrival | About 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights |
Warning: Do not rely on an old screenshot, saved itinerary, or general terminal guide alone. Check your Alaska Airlines boarding pass on the day of travel because gates and operational arrangements can change.
History and Development of Terminal 6
Terminal 6 is an older part of the LAX terminal complex, but Alaska Airlines’ current operation there dates to 2012. Alaska announced its move in 2011 and opened a redesigned Terminal 6 ticketing and passenger-processing area the following year.
LAX later began a broader $230 million Terminal 6 modernization project in early 2021. The project is intended to create more passenger space and update technology and infrastructure. Construction conditions can affect walking routes, curb traffic, and available concessions, so travelers should follow current airport signs rather than relying only on an older map.
Terminal 6 Layout, Features, and Amenities
Terminal 6 has an elongated concourse serving gates 60 through 69. After clearing security, passengers pass shops and restaurants while walking toward the higher-numbered gates. Elevators near the central concourse provide access to the Alaska Lounge and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge on the mezzanine level.
Current Terminal 6 services shown on the official LAX directory include:
- Complimentary airport Wi-Fi
- A nursing room
- A service-animal and pet-relief area
- Water fountains and water dispensers
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Flight-information display screens
- Accessible elevators, restrooms, and passenger routes
- Food, beverage, newsstand, electronics, clothing, and duty-free outlets
Charging access is available in parts of the terminal, but outlet availability can vary by seating area. A charged power bank can be useful during busy periods.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass before entering the terminal. It remains accessible if cellular service slows, but you should still refresh the Alaska app for gate-change notifications.
Where to Check In and Drop Bags
Alaska Airlines ticketing and bag drop are on the Upper/Departures Level of Terminal 6. Passengers who have checked in through the Alaska app or website can use the available bag-tag and bag-drop process when checking luggage. Travelers with carry-on bags only can proceed toward security once they have a valid boarding pass and required travel documents.
How early should you arrive?
Alaska generally recommends arriving at least:
- Two hours before a domestic departure
- Three hours before an international departure
These are planning recommendations, not the final check-in deadline. Alaska’s published check-in and boarding cutoffs generally require passengers and checked bags to be accepted no later than 50 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international departures. Special destinations or travel conditions can have earlier requirements.
Allow extra time during holidays, early-morning departure banks, construction, severe weather, or periods of heavy LAX roadway traffic.
Note: “Arrive two hours early” does not mean you may join the bag-drop line at the two-hour mark and ignore the cutoff. You must complete check-in and surrender checked luggage before the applicable deadline.
Security and Terminal Connections
After checking bags, follow signs to the Terminal 6 TSA checkpoint. Security wait times change throughout the day, so leave enough time to reach the gate before boarding begins.
LAX’s south-side terminals are connected after security by corridors and tunnels. This can allow a passenger with a same-day boarding pass to walk between Terminal 6 and nearby terminals without leaving the secure area. Walking distances can be substantial, especially when connecting to Terminal B or a distant gate.
Passengers making a connection should:
- Check the onward flight’s terminal and gate in the airline app.
- Follow overhead “Connecting Flights” and terminal signs.
- Confirm whether checked baggage is transferred automatically.
- Allow extra time for a long walk, construction detour, or a change between secure and nonsecure areas.
If the connecting flight is on a separate ticket, the traveler may need to claim bags, move to another terminal, recheck luggage, and clear security again.
Airlines and Destinations Served From Terminal 6
According to the current LAX terminal directory, Terminal 6 serves the following airlines. Airline locations can change, so verify the terminal before every trip.
| Airline | Terminal 6 Role |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | Passenger flights and lounge access for eligible travelers |
| Alaska Airlines | Ticketing, bag drop, departures, arrivals, and Alaska Lounge |
| Breeze Airways | Passenger flights |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Terminal 6 check-in operations alongside Alaska |
| Horizon Air | Regional flights operating within Alaska’s network |
| Porter Airlines | Passenger flights |
| Southern Airways Express | Regional passenger flights |
Where does Alaska fly from LAX?
Alaska’s current Los Angeles schedule includes popular routes such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Honolulu, Maui, Kona, Lihue, Cabo San Lucas, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Anchorage, Newark, Guatemala City, and Liberia in Costa Rica.
Some services are seasonal or may not operate every day. Use Alaska’s current Los Angeles flight page or interactive route map before planning a connection.
Transportation to and From Terminal 6
LAX separates many transportation services by roadway level and pickup zone. Knowing the correct level can prevent an unnecessary trip around the terminal loop.
Private vehicle drop-off and pickup
- Departing passengers: Use the Upper/Departures Level curb outside Terminal 6.
- Arriving passengers: Family and friends may normally collect travelers on the Lower/Arrivals Level outside baggage claim.
- Waiting drivers: Use the free LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot until the passenger is ready at the curb.
Uber, Lyft, and taxi service
Ride-app vehicles may drop departing passengers directly at Terminal 6 on the Upper/Departures Level. However, most arriving passengers must go to the LAX-it lot beside Terminal 1 for Uber, Lyft, and taxi pickup.
From Terminal 6, follow signs to a green LAX-it shuttle stop on the Lower/Arrivals Level. The free shuttle carries passengers and luggage to the central pickup lot. Walking to LAX-it is possible, but it is a long route from Terminal 6 and may be impractical with luggage.
FlyAway bus
The LAX FlyAway bus currently provides nonstop service between the airport terminals and:
- Union Station
- Van Nuys
FlyAway buses drop departing passengers on the Upper/Departures Level. For travel away from LAX, board on the Lower/Arrivals Level at the blue FlyAway sign. Check the official FlyAway schedule and fare before departure.
Metro and public transportation
A free Metro Connector shuttle links the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, where passengers can connect with Metro Rail C and K Lines and several municipal bus services. Terminal shuttle stops are marked by pink LAX Shuttle signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Service frequency and operating hours can change, so confirm the trip through Metro or the LAX ground-transportation guide.
Parking
Official LAX parking options include terminal parking structures P1–P7, Economy Parking, Budget Parking, valet service, and spaces with EV charging. Terminal parking is closest but is usually more expensive than remote facilities. Economy and Budget lots use airport shuttles that stop at marked zones on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Parking prices and availability change. Reserving through the official LAX parking site can provide a guaranteed space during busy travel periods.
Rental cars
Rental-car facilities are located away from the passenger terminals. Follow signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level to the appropriate rental-car transportation area and use the shuttle or connection specified by the rental company.
Dining and Shopping in Terminal 6
Terminal 6 has a useful mix of coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, bars, newsstands, electronics stores, and travel retailers. Concessions can close, relocate, or change hours during construction, so travelers with a late-night or early-morning flight should verify availability.
Food and drink options
The current Terminal 6 directory lists options such as:
- Starbucks Evenings
- The Marketplace by Wolfgang Puck, including The Kitchen, The Wine Bar, and WPizza
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Earthbar
- Point the Way Cafe
- Peet’s Coffee
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Wahoo’s Fish Taco
- Club 42 Tequila Bar & Bites
Shopping options
Current retail listings include newsstands, See’s Candies, DFS Duty Free, Market 8600, MAC, Gameway, Belkin, M.Fredric, and Los Angeles Magazine News. Access Hollywood and a Starbucks are also shown on the arrivals level.
Note: A store appearing on the terminal map does not guarantee that it will be open when your flight departs. Concession hours often vary by day and passenger demand.
Passenger Services, Accessibility, and Family Facilities
Passengers who need wheelchair or mobility assistance should add the request to their Alaska reservation before travel. LAX recommends contacting the airline in advance, particularly when curb-to-gate assistance or help with a connection is needed.
Accessible loading zones are marked on the departures and arrivals curbs. Elevators connect the main concourse with the lounge mezzanine, and an adult changing station is available before security in the Terminal 6 baggage-claim area.
Terminal 6 also has a nursing room and a service-animal or pet-relief facility. Travelers with service animals, pets, medical equipment, or other special requirements should review both airport procedures and the airline’s rules before arriving.
Official LAX accessibility information explains curbside assistance, accessible transportation, loading zones, and wheelchair requests.
Alaska Lounge at LAX
The Alaska Lounge is located on the Terminal 6 mezzanine near Gate 64. Alaska currently lists its regular hours as 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Hours and entry may change during operational disruptions or periods of limited capacity.
Lounge amenities commonly include seating, Wi-Fi, power access, food, beverages, coffee, beer, wine, and spirits. The exact menu and available seating vary by time of day.
Who can enter the Alaska Lounge?
Eligible visitors can include Alaska Lounge or Lounge+ members, travelers using an eligible lounge pass, qualifying oneworld passengers, and passengers meeting Alaska’s current premium-cabin rules.
A First Class ticket does not automatically include lounge access on every flight. Alaska currently provides complimentary access for qualifying paid or award First Class itineraries containing a flight longer than 2,000 miles. Other First Class travelers may be able to purchase access under the current policy.
Single-entry passes are sold only when space is available and require qualifying same-day travel. Review the current Alaska Lounge access rules before relying on entry.
Terminal 6 is convenient for Alaska travelers, but a Terminal 6 boarding pass does not by itself provide Alaska Lounge access.
Sustainability and Environmental Programs
Sustainability programs at Terminal 6 operate within broader Los Angeles World Airports policies. These should not be described as Alaska-only initiatives unless the airline specifically controls them.
LAWA requires major construction and renovation projects to follow its sustainable design and construction policy. Airport-wide programs also address energy use, water efficiency, zero-emission ground equipment, waste diversion, food recovery, and reusable packaging.
Since June 30, 2023, single-use plastic water bottles have not been sold or distributed at LAX under LAWA policy. Travelers can bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it at a terminal water dispenser.
Tips for Navigating Terminal 6 Efficiently
- Check in before leaving home. Save the boarding pass in the Alaska app and your phone wallet.
- Confirm Terminal 6 and the gate. Recheck after arriving at LAX because gate changes can occur.
- Use the correct roadway level. Departures are upstairs; baggage claim and most shuttle pickups are downstairs.
- Build in traffic time. The LAX terminal loop can become heavily congested even when freeway traffic appears manageable.
- Do not wait until the cutoff. Complete bag drop well before the published deadline.
- Allow time for connections. Walking between LAX terminals may take longer than expected.
- Carry valuables with you. Cameras, medication, travel documents, electronics, and other irreplaceable items should remain in an allowed carry-on when practical.
- Choose a meeting point. Families and groups should select a gate, shop, or baggage carousel in case they become separated.
Future Developments at Terminal 6
Terminal 6 remains part of LAX’s continuing airport modernization program. The official project is focused on additional passenger space, updated building systems, improved technology, and a better terminal environment.
Construction schedules, pedestrian routes, concession availability, and curb access can change as work progresses. Claims about new gates, biometric screening, or completion dates should be treated cautiously unless they appear in a current LAX project announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Alaska Airlines at LAX?
Alaska Airlines checks in at Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport. Most Alaska departures use gates in the Terminal 6 area, but you should confirm the live terminal and gate on your boarding pass.
Where is Alaska Airlines check-in at LAX?
Alaska Airlines ticketing and checked-bag drop are on the Upper/Departures Level of Terminal 6. After checking bags, follow signs to the Terminal 6 TSA checkpoint.
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. Arrive earlier during holidays, construction, or heavy traffic, and complete check-in and bag drop before Alaska’s applicable cutoff.
Where is Alaska Airlines baggage claim at LAX?
Alaska baggage claim is normally on the Lower/Arrivals Level of Terminal 6. Check the airport display screens for the assigned carousel because it can vary by flight.
Can I walk from Terminal 6 to another LAX terminal?
Yes. LAX’s south-side terminals have post-security connections, although some walks are long. Check the onward gate, follow connection signs, and allow extra time for construction or a distant terminal.
Where do I meet Uber or Lyft after an Alaska flight?
Most ride-app pickups take place at the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1. From Terminal 6, go to the Lower/Arrivals Level and board the free shuttle at a green LAX-it sign.
Does Terminal 6 have an Alaska Lounge?
Yes. The Alaska Lounge is on the Terminal 6 mezzanine near Gate 64 and is normally open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entry depends on membership, ticket type, pass eligibility, partner-airline rules, and available capacity.
Does LAX Terminal 6 have food, Wi-Fi, and a nursing room?
Yes. Terminal 6 has complimentary LAX Wi-Fi, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, a nursing room, water facilities, and a pet-relief area. Individual concession hours may vary.
Sources
- Los Angeles World Airports: Terminal 6 — current airlines, gate range, travel tips, and modernization information
- LAX Ground Transportation — LAX-it, terminal shuttles, Metro connections, taxis, parking, and passenger pickup
- Alaska Airlines Check-In and Boarding Cutoff Times — current passenger and baggage deadlines
- Alaska Lounge Locations and Hours — LAX lounge location and daily operating hours
- Alaska Airlines Flights From Los Angeles — current examples of destinations served from LAX
- Los Angeles World Airports Sustainability — airport-wide construction, waste, water, and sustainability policies