Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
If you are flying Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), knowing where to go before you arrive can save time in one of the country’s largest airports. Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 for check-in and departures, but international-arrival procedures, rideshare pickup, terminal connections, and check-in timing require a little more explanation.
Quick Answer
Alaska Airlines departures at Los Angeles International Airport use Terminal 6, with gates 60–69. Check-in is also in Terminal 6. Some Alaska international arrivals may be processed at Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B), so arriving passengers should verify the terminal in the Alaska app or LAX flight information before pickup.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines check-in and departures are in Terminal 6 at LAX.
- Alaska normally uses Terminal 6 gates 60–69.
- Alaska and Hawaiian ticket counters are combined at LAX, so look for current Alaska Hawaiian signage in the Terminal 6 lobby.
- Some Alaska international arrivals are processed at Terminal 6, while others use Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B).
- Uber and Lyft can drop departing passengers at Terminal 6, but standard ride-app pickup after arrival is normally at the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1.
- Always confirm your terminal and gate on your boarding pass, the Alaska Airlines app, or LAX flight information because operational assignments can change.
At a Glance
| Alaska Check-In | Terminal 6 |
| Departure Gates | Terminal 6, Gates 60–69 |
| International Arrivals | Currently processed at Terminal 6 from 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; outside those hours, Alaska directs international arrivals to Tom Bradley International Terminal. Confirm before pickup. |
| Recommended Arrival | Alaska currently recommends 2 hours before departure when checking bags, traveling internationally, traveling with pets, using accessible services, or needing ticket-counter help; 1 hour when none of those apply. |
Understanding the LAX Terminal Layout
LAX’s passenger terminals form a horseshoe-shaped Central Terminal Area. Terminal 6 is on the south side of the airport between Terminals 5 and 7. Alaska Airlines is one of the airlines assigned to Terminal 6, which contains gates 60 through 69.
Passengers who are already inside another LAX terminal have several options for reaching Terminal 6. LAX now provides a continuous post-security pedestrian path across its passenger terminals, allowing ticketed travelers to walk between terminals without leaving the secure area when their connection permits it. LAX also operates terminal-connection shuttle service outside security.
For current maps and terminal information, see the official LAX Terminal 6 guide and the LAX inter-terminal connections guide.
Note: A terminal assignment tells you where to start, but your boarding gate can change. Check your boarding pass, the Alaska Airlines app, and airport monitors on the day you travel.
Identifying the Alaska Airlines Terminal at LAX
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 at LAX for passenger check-in and departures. The official Alaska airport guide identifies its LAX gate area as Terminal 6, Gates 60–69.
Terminal 6 also serves several other airlines, so do not rely only on seeing an Alaska aircraft or airline logo when finding your gate. Confirm the gate number shown on your boarding pass or flight-status screen.
Alaska’s current LAX information also notes an important change for passengers using the lobby: Alaska and Hawaiian counters are combined at this airport. Look for Alaska Hawaiian signage when you enter Terminal 6.
Navigating to Alaska Airlines Terminal 6
If you are departing from LAX, you do not pass through airport security before finding Terminal 6. First travel to Terminal 6, complete any necessary check-in or baggage drop, and then proceed to the TSA checkpoint for the gate area.
If someone is driving you to the airport, follow signs for the Upper/Departures Level and Terminal 6. LAX advises drivers heading toward Terminals 6–8 that a roadway shortcut on the approach to the Central Terminal Area can help reach the south-side terminals without following the entire horseshoe.
If you enter LAX through another terminal, follow official terminal-connection signs rather than relying on a fixed walking-time estimate. Walking time depends on your starting terminal, whether you are landside or post-security, pedestrian traffic, construction, and your exact gate.
Pro Tip: If you are being dropped off for an Alaska departure, tell the driver “Terminal 6, Departures.” Checking your flight status before entering the airport loop can also prevent unnecessary terminal changes if your assignment has been updated.
Transportation Options to Alaska Airlines Terminal 6
How you should reach Terminal 6 depends on whether you are departing, arriving, using public transit, or connecting from another terminal.
Private Car or Departure Rideshare
Private vehicles may drop departing passengers at Terminal 6. Authorized ride-app services such as Uber and Lyft can also drop passengers directly at their departure terminal on the Upper/Departures Level.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Pickup After Arrival
The procedure is different when leaving LAX after a flight. Standard taxi and ride-app pickups generally use the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1. Passengers can walk there or take a free LAX-it shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level. Some premium ride services and private vehicles have different curbside pickup rules.
Check the official LAX ground-transportation page before travel because pickup procedures can change.
FlyAway Bus
The LAX FlyAway bus currently operates scheduled service between LAX terminals and both LA Union Station and Van Nuys. Passengers leaving LAX board on the Lower/Arrivals Level at designated FlyAway stops.
Metro and Local Transit
LAX provides a Metro Connector shuttle between the terminals and the LAX/Metro Transit Center, which connects travelers with Metro C and K Lines and other transit services. Follow the airport’s current ground-transportation signs because shuttle stops and operating arrangements can change.
Terminal-to-Terminal Connections
For connecting passengers, LAX offers both pedestrian connections and terminal-connection shuttle service. A continuous post-security walking route links the passenger terminals, which can be useful when connecting between Alaska and another airline without returning to the public side of the airport.
Checking In for Alaska Airlines at LAX
Alaska Airlines check-in at LAX is in Terminal 6. The airline currently advises passengers to look for combined Alaska Hawaiian signage because the two airlines’ counters have been combined at this airport.
Passengers have several check-in options:
- Online check-in: Complete check-in before reaching the airport when eligible.
- Mobile check-in: Alaska currently allows mobile check-in between 1 and 24 hours before departure.
- Airport check-in: Use the Terminal 6 lobby when you need counter assistance or must complete an in-person requirement.
Alaska’s current LAX guide lists Terminal 6 ticket-counter hours as 4:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. for domestic service and 4:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. for international service. Hours can change, so confirm them for your travel date.
Checked baggage is accepted only during applicable counter hours and currently no more than four hours before scheduled departure.
How Early Should You Arrive?
For LAX, Alaska currently recommends arriving 2 hours before scheduled departure if you have checked bags, a pet, international travel, accessible-service needs, or ticket-counter business. For passengers without bags and without a need for counter assistance, its current recommendation is 1 hour before departure.
These are airline recommendations, not guarantees of how long check-in or TSA screening will take. Busy travel periods, road congestion, parking, or special documentation can require additional time.
See the official Alaska Airlines LAX airport guide for the latest counter hours, arrival recommendations, and airport-specific instructions.
Alaska Airlines International Arrivals at LAX
International arrivals are one of the most important exceptions to the simple “Terminal 6” answer. According to Alaska’s current LAX airport guide, international arrivals between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. are processed at Terminal 6. International arrivals outside those hours are processed at Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B).
Note: If you are meeting someone arriving on an Alaska international flight, do not assume baggage claim will be in Terminal 6. Check the individual flight’s current arrival terminal before choosing a pickup point.
Security Checkpoint at Terminal 6
After completing any required Alaska check-in or bag drop, proceed to the TSA passenger-screening area for Terminal 6. Have your required identification and boarding credentials ready and follow the instructions given by TSA officers.
Under standard TSA screening procedures, travelers may be asked to remove shoes, the 3-1-1 liquids bag, and electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, for separate screening. TSA PreCheck passengers generally follow different screening procedures and normally may leave approved liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags.
Checkpoint technology and officer instructions can vary, so always follow the directions at your specific lane rather than assuming every checkpoint works exactly the same way. Review current requirements through the TSA What Can I Bring? guidance before packing.
Dining, Shopping, and Amenities in Terminal 6
Terminal 6 has food, beverage, retail, and passenger-service options both before and after a flight. The current LAX Terminal 6 directory lists dining options such as Starbucks, 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.
Retail offerings currently include newsstands, See’s Candies, DFS Duty Free, Market 8600, Gameway, Belkin, and other shops. Terminal offerings can change, so use the official LAX Terminal 6 directory for the latest list.
Terminal 6 also provides services and amenities such as complimentary airport Wi-Fi, a nursing room, pet-relief facilities, information services, and flight-information displays.
Alaska Lounge at LAX
The Alaska Lounge at LAX is located in Terminal 6 on the mezzanine level near Gate 64. Alaska currently lists its hours as 5:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. daily. Entry depends on membership, eligible travel, available passes, and capacity.
Because lounge policies and hours can change, confirm current access rules on the official Alaska Lounge locations and hours page.
Boarding an Alaska Airlines Flight at LAX
Do not rely on a fixed assumption that boarding always starts exactly 30 minutes before departure. Alaska’s current guidance asks passengers to be at the gate at least 50 minutes before their flight, ready to board.
Your boarding group appears on your boarding pass. Alaska currently boards through a structured system that includes preboarding, priority boarding, and lettered groups. The exact group depends on factors such as cabin, Atmos Rewards status, eligible card benefits, seat location, and fare type.
Gate assignments may change even after you arrive at Terminal 6. Check airport monitors and Alaska flight alerts while you wait, and remain close enough to your gate to hear or see boarding updates.
For current group details, see Alaska’s official boarding-process guide.
Tips for a Smooth Alaska Airlines Experience at LAX
- Confirm Terminal 6 before leaving home. Operational changes are uncommon but possible.
- Check your exact gate. Alaska normally uses Gates 60–69 at LAX, but your boarding pass and live flight status are the final references.
- Know whether you need the counter. Checking in online can save time if you have no in-person requirements.
- Allow extra time for Los Angeles traffic. Airport-arrival recommendations do not include unexpected freeway congestion, parking searches, or rental-car returns.
- Separate rideshare drop-off from pickup. Departure rides can go to Terminal 6; most standard ride-app pickups after arrival use LAX-it.
- Check international-arrival information. An arriving Alaska passenger may clear formalities in Terminal 6 or Tom Bradley Terminal B.
- Use post-security connections when appropriate. LAX’s connected secure-side pedestrian route can make airline transfers easier.
- Keep the Alaska app handy. It provides boarding passes, flight status, and gate updates during your trip.
The simple answer is Terminal 6—but checking your live gate and, for international arrivals, the actual arrival terminal is the best way to avoid a wrong-terminal trip at LAX.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines check-in and departures at Los Angeles International Airport are centered in Terminal 6, Gates 60–69. Head to Terminal 6 before security, use the Alaska/Hawaiian counter area if you need airport assistance, and check your gate before boarding.
The main exception involves international arrivals, which may be processed at either Terminal 6 or Tom Bradley International Terminal depending on the arrival time and current operation. Travelers should also remember that rideshare drop-off and pickup work differently at LAX: departure drop-off can occur at Terminal 6, while standard Uber and Lyft pickups generally use LAX-it.
With the correct terminal, enough time, and live flight information, navigating Alaska Airlines at LAX is much simpler than the airport’s size may initially suggest.
If your trip continues to a cold-weather destination, this guide to rechargeable hand warmers for travel may also be useful when preparing your travel gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does Alaska Airlines use at LAX?
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport for check-in and departures. Its current LAX gate area is Gates 60–69.
Where do I check in for Alaska Airlines at LAX?
Go to Terminal 6. Alaska’s current LAX guide says Alaska and Hawaiian counters are combined at this airport, so look for Alaska Hawaiian signage in the lobby.
Do Alaska international flights arrive at Terminal 6?
Not always. Alaska currently states that international arrivals between 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. are processed at Terminal 6, while international arrivals outside those hours are processed at Tom Bradley International Terminal. Always confirm the individual flight before arranging pickup.
How early should I arrive at LAX for an Alaska Airlines flight?
Alaska currently recommends arriving 2 hours before departure if you have bags, pets, international travel, accessible-service needs, or ticket-counter business. Its current recommendation is 1 hour for travelers without bags who do not need counter assistance. Allow additional time when traffic or airport congestion is heavy.
Is there an Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6 at LAX?
Yes. 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., subject to operational changes and access rules.
Can I walk from another LAX terminal to Terminal 6?
Yes. LAX provides pedestrian connections between terminals, including a continuous post-security route for ticketed passengers. Walking time depends on your starting terminal and gate, so allow extra time for long connections.
Can Uber or Lyft drop me off at Alaska Airlines Terminal 6?
Yes. Ride-app services can drop departing passengers at their terminal on the Upper/Departures Level. Standard Uber and Lyft pickup after arriving at LAX normally takes place at the LAX-it lot near Terminal 1 rather than directly outside Terminal 6.
What gates does Alaska Airlines use at LAX?
Alaska’s current LAX airport information lists Terminal 6, Gates 60–69. Individual gate assignments can change, so check your boarding pass or live flight status on travel day.
Sources
- Alaska Airlines — Los Angeles International Airport Guide — Terminal 6 gates, combined Alaska/Hawaiian counters, counter hours, international-arrival processing, baggage timing, and recommended airport-arrival times.
- Los Angeles World Airports — Terminal 6 — Terminal 6 airlines, gates, passenger facilities, terminal access, dining, shopping, and connections.
- Los Angeles World Airports — Inter-Terminal Connections — post-security pedestrian access and terminal-connection options.
- Los Angeles World Airports — Ground Transportation — ride-app drop-off, LAX-it pickup, shuttles, and public-transport connections.
- Alaska Airlines — Boarding Process — current gate-arrival recommendation and boarding-group system.
- Transportation Security Administration — What Can I Bring? — current carry-on and security-screening guidance.
