Long Beach Airport Prepares for Additional Holiday Travelers Amid Ongoing Construction

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Vehicles arrive at Long Beach Airport's drop-off and pick-up area, which currently has reduced traffic lanes due to construction as part of the Terminal Roadway Improvements Project.

Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Airport (LGB) is anticipating an elevated number of travelers between Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and passengers are advised to plan ahead and arrive early due to ongoing construction in the drop-off and pick-up area.

"Whether visiting friends and family or embarking on a seasonal getaway, Long Beach Airport can be trusted to get travelers where they need to go for the holidays," said Mayor Rex Richardson.

Through its airline partners, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, nearly 170,000 passengers will move through LGB during the 13-day period from Dec. 20, through Jan. 1. That represents a 12% increase over the same time frame last year, marking one of the busiest holiday seasons on record for the Airport.

More than 13,000 travelers are anticipated to pass through the Airport on most days. The busiest days are expected to be Friday, Dec. 20, Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27.

Construction from the Terminal Roadway Improvements Project has resulted in the reduction of traffic lanes in the pick-up and drop-off area. Travelers should expect more congestion than usual and allow extra time, especially for early morning departures or when picking up loved ones in the evening.

The Airport is taking a number of steps to mitigate potential congestion. Barbara London Drive is available as an alternate pick-up and drop-off area for travelers able to walk a short distance to avoid the main loop. Additional staff will be on hand during the busiest travel days to ensure the curb is used for active loading and unloading only. Finally, the Transportation Security Administration will open 30 minutes early, at 4:30 a.m., from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4 for travelers who would like to arrive early.

The finished roadway project, funded primarily by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will result in improved vehicular and passenger flow and enhancements for those with mobility challenges. It will supplement existing Americans with Disability Act (ADA) features such as curb access ramps, signage and handrails at drop-off and pick-up areas, and will provide a clear ADA path of travel to public transportation and public parking facilities. More information is available at www.LGBRoadImprovements.com.

"Even with ongoing construction, Long Beach Airport stands out for its welcoming atmosphere," said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. "We thank our passengers for their patience as we make improvements that will make our Airport even more convenient and easy."

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.
• Travelers willing to walk a slightly longer distance to avoid the main loop may use Barbara London Drive to pick-up and drop-off.
• Drivers picking up passengers should wait in one of two free Cell Phone Waiting Lots, located on the northwest and southwest corners of Lakewood Boulevard and East Donald Douglas Drive, until their passenger calls to let them know they are ready on the curb.
• Parking is available in Structures A and B and valet service is conveniently located at 4137 Donald Douglas Drive, just north of the Historic Terminal.
• Check your airline's baggage rules and verify flight schedules in advance.
• Packing properly can facilitate the screening process, so visit the Transportation Security Administration's What Can I Bring? website for details.
• Travelers with pets and service animals should note the location of the relief area north of the Historic Terminal and check their airline's policies for traveling with animals in advance.

Highlighting its role as america's coolest airport^TM, two temporary pickleball courts will be periodically activated throughout the holidays to bring joy and recreation to the traveling public. Travelers can also enjoy some extra good cheer at the Airport with live musical performances by local artists as part of the LGB Live! seasonal music series, typically performing on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

Situated at a central position between Los Angeles and Orange counties, Long Beach Airport provides a distinctively stress-free journey and a first-class customer experience with service from major air carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.

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