Key Highlights
-
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is in Los Angeles County, California. It is a good and easy choice compared to busier airports in Los Angeles.
-
You will get a great customer experience here. There are open-air terminals and nice resort-style features.
-
The airport is also a historic spot. You can see Streamline Moderne architecture from 1941 there.
-
Southwest Airlines runs the most flights, but you can fly with big airlines like Delta and Hawaiian Airlines too.
-
LGB lets you fly nonstop to top spots across the United States, even to Hawaii, from long beach.
-
This is one of the easiest ways to travel in Southern California.
Introduction
Welcome to your guide to Long Beach Airport (LGB)! The airport is right in the middle of Southern California. It offers an easy and calm way to travel. If you want a break from the busy Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), this is a good place for you. Long Beach has what you need and even gives the feel of being outside. It makes flying feel easy. Now, let’s see why so many people like to use this airport when traveling to or from Los Angeles.
Getting to Know Long Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport is also called Daugherty Field. It is a public airport owned by the City of Long Beach. This airport is about three miles from downtown. You will find it serves the Greater Los Angeles area. People use it as another choice instead of Los Angeles International Airport. The airport is smaller, so you get shorter lines and the place feels more calm.
LGB is not as busy as LAX. Still, it stands as the 10th busiest airport in California when you look at passenger boardings. It does a very good job of handling both commercial flights and general aviation all in one place. That makes it important in Los Angeles County. If you are interested, this guide will show you what makes this airport special and share some of its history.
Unique Features and Atmosphere of LGB
What makes Long Beach Airport special is the great atmosphere you get here. The terminal feels more like a resort than an airport. There is a palm garden in the middle and outdoor eating areas with fire pits. The open-air design lets you get some fresh air. This helps make the customer experience better and lets you relax before your flight.
The main terminal is known for its history and its Streamline Moderne architecture. It was built in 1941. The building still keeps its old style but has new comforts as well. You will see art and design from the Works Progress Administration time, including murals and mosaics. These details give your trip a feeling of elegance and history.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is also one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. There are private planes, flight schools, and commercial jets all here. This makes the airport full of life for those who like aviation. The way the airport is set up means passengers walk across the tarmac. This adds an old-school charm to the main terminal and makes your visit unique.
History and Growth of the Airport
The story of Long Beach Airport starts with Earl S. Daugherty, who was a well-known name in aviation. That is why the airport is also known as Daugherty Field. After Earl Daugherty talked with the city council, the airport became the first public airport in the area in 1923. Before this, pilots and stunt flyers would use the sandy beaches of Long Beach as a runway.
Over the years, the airport saw a lot of growth. The main terminal, which many people know, was finished in 1941. During World War II, the airport was very important for the military and Douglas Aircraft. This time showed how much the airport mattered in aviation, with thousands of planes made for the war. When the war ended, the airport switched back to being used mostly by regular people.
Today, LGB stands out as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. It serves millions of people who travel each year. Still, the airport keeps a size that is easy for people to use. LGB also works to keep its old charm, from the design of the terminal to how it handles baggage claim areas. Because of this, travelers get a simple and comfortable travel experience at long beach airport.
Airlines and Destinations
Getting ready for your next trip from Long Beach Airport is easy. The airport has a strong group of airlines, even if some bigger airports have more. You can count on good flights to places in the United States. Southwest Airlines is the main airline at LGB. They run most of the flights.
If you want to fly for work to a city in California or relax in Hawaii, there are good choices. The airport has nonstop flights to many top cities. This makes it easy to start your trip at LGB in long beach. Here, you can find the main airlines and their popular routes from long beach to different spots in the united states, including california and hawaii with southwest airlines.
Major Airlines Operating at LGB
Several major airlines operate out of Long Beach Airport, giving you reliable choices for your domestic travel plans. Southwest Airlines is the largest airline at LGB, accounting for over 84% of passenger traffic and offering an extensive network of routes across the United States.
You can also fly with Hawaiian Airlines for direct service to the islands or choose Delta Air Lines for connections through its hub. These airlines provide a great mix of business and leisure destinations, ensuring you can get where you need to go with ease from the convenient Long Beach Airport.
Here are the primary airlines and the destinations they serve from LGB:
|
Airline |
Destinations |
|---|---|
|
Southwest Airlines |
Albuquerque, Austin, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Honolulu, Houston–Hobby, Las Vegas, Nashville, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Reno/Tahoe, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Jose (CA), and more. |
|
Hawaiian Airlines |
Honolulu, Kahului (seasonal) |
|
Delta Air Lines |
Salt Lake City |
Top Nonstop Routes and Seasonal Destinations
From Long Beach, you can fly to many top cities in the United States without any stops. If you want to travel for work or for fun, these routes make your trip easy. You reach major cities without dealing with a layover. The airport has a great spot for both Los Angeles and Orange County travelers.
The top nonstop flights show a good mix of places for both business and leisure. Many people use routes that go from LGB to cities in the western U.S. Here are some of the busiest routes from Long Beach:
-
Las Vegas, Nevada
-
Sacramento, California
-
Oakland, California
-
Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona
-
Salt Lake City, Utah
LGB has flights all year, but you also get some cool seasonal trips. You can take a flight to Kahului, Hawaii, with Southwest or Hawaiian Airlines. These trips make Long Beach a great place to start when you want a vacation in California or Hawaii.
Navigating the Terminals
One thing people like about flying from Long Beach Airport is how simple it is to get around. The airport has a clear layout that is easy to understand. There are no long walks or hard-to-find areas like in big airports. The main terminal building is a piece of history. The modern passenger concourse has all the things you may need.
From check-in to your gate, the process is fast and easy. The open-air design gives you lots of sunlight and fresh air. So, you will feel relaxed on your way. In the next section, we will look at the terminal layout and the important facilities that help you have a good trip.
Terminal Map and Layout Overview
The layout of Long Beach Airport is refreshingly straightforward. The historic main terminal houses check-in counters and is currently undergoing renovations to include a new ticketing building and rental car services. From there, you’ll walk through a beautiful, landscaped garden area to the modern passenger concourse where the gates are located.
This concourse is split into two sections, North and South, but they are connected and easy to navigate. Both lead out to the airfield where you will board your plane by walking across the tarmac. The baggage claim areas are conveniently located and partially enclosed, maintaining the airport’s signature open-air feel.
Here’s a simple overview of the terminal areas and their functions:
|
Area |
Function |
|---|---|
|
Historic Main Terminal |
Check-in, Ticketing, Security Screening, Future Rental Cars |
|
Central Garden |
Outdoor Seating, Dining, Connection to Concourse |
|
Passenger Concourse |
Gates (North and South), Restaurants, Shops, Lounges |
|
Baggage Claim Areas |
Luggage Pickup, Ground Transportation Access |
Key Amenities and Facilities Available
Long Beach Airport has a lot of things to make your visit better. The airport used $136 million for a big update. Now, it feels like a resort. You do not need to stay inside all the time. There are patios outside, fire pits, and wine bars you can use while you wait for your flight.
The airport keeps its old charm and adds some new comfort. For general aviation, there are several runways and helipads at LGB. For people who fly in and out, the team wants to make sure you have a smooth and fun time.
Key things you can enjoy at Long Beach Airport:
-
A new parking structure for 2,000 cars near the terminal.
-
Outdoor spots to eat or sit with fire pits.
-
A palm garden in the middle where you can relax.
-
Baggage claim areas that are easy to use and have some open-air parts.
-
Shops with products from local stores.
The airport wants your day at LGB to be good, from the baggage claim areas to helpful staff, open garden spaces, recreation and more for every customer experience.
Dining and Shopping Experiences
Get ready to try some of the best places to eat and shop in California. Long Beach Airport has changed its restaurants and stores, so people can have a better time. The airport is not like most other food courts. You can now find good food with open-air seating that gives a relaxed feel.
There are many restaurants, cafes, and shops here. Most are local, so you get a taste of Long Beach. If you want to eat a full meal or buy a special gift, this airport has what you need. Let’s take a look at the top places to eat and shop in Long Beach.
Popular Restaurants, Cafes, and Lounges
The food options at Long Beach Airport really stand out during your travels. There are many places to eat, like restaurants, cafes, and lounges. They all have something for everyone. A big draw is the outdoor dining patios. Here, you can sit outside and take in the great Southern California weather before your flight. Some patios even have fire pits, so you feel warm and at home.
You do not have to rush between flights and eat in bright, harsh lights. At this airport, you can enjoy a good meal at a wine bar or unwind at a full-service restaurant. This calm way of eating is one reason people like flying from LGB when they are in or near Los Angeles.
Popular choices include:
-
Full-service restaurants offer tasty local food.
-
Friendly cafes where you can grab a coffee and a pastry fast.
-
Trendy wine bars and lounges.
-
Outdoor patios if you want to eat in the fresh air.
Long Beach Airport in California brings something new to your travels and gives you nice ways to dine while you wait.
Shopping Options and Local Retailers
Shopping at Long Beach Airport gives you a different experience. The airport focuses on local shops, so you can buy a gift or souvenir that shows what Long Beach, California is all about. This way of supporting community stores really improves the customer experience.
There are several shops here. You can get travel things you need or find something special at a boutique. All the stores are easy to get to in the passenger concourse. You can shop while you wait for your flight.
Look for these shopping options:
-
Newsstands with books, magazines, and snacks.
-
Boutiques with things from local retailers.
-
Stores that sell travel gear and electronics.
-
Gift shops with Long Beach-themed stuff.
Conclusion
To sum up, Long Beach Airport gives you a special way to travel. The airport has a friendly feel, has good things you can use, and many places where you can fly. Whether you travel for work or fun, knowing more about LGB can help you enjoy your trip from the start to the end. Take some time to try out the food places and shopping spots there. This can make your time at the airport better. With a long history and a big focus on helping people, Long Beach Airport is more than just the place where you leave or land—it’s also a key part of your trip. If you have any questions for your next flight, you can always get in touch so your time is even easier and you feel good about your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Long Beach Airport for my flight?
For flights within the country at Long Beach Airport, you should try to get there around 90 minutes to two hours before your flight leaves. This will give you enough time to park, drop off your bags, and go through the security checks in the main terminal. You won’t have to feel rushed when you do this.
What parking options are available at Long Beach Airport?
Long Beach Airport has easy parking for people who come and go. There is a new parking building with space for 2,000 cars right across from the terminal. This helps you get to baggage claim and check-in faster. You can also use the valet, or wait in your car at the cell phone lot if you need to. These options help make your trip better at Long Beach.
How do I get to downtown Long Beach from the airport?
Getting to downtown Long Beach is fast because the airport is so close. You can use a taxi, rideshare, or Long Beach Transit bus. The bus routes you can take are 102, 104, or 111. The airport is also right by the I-405 freeway.