long beach airport airlines
Long Beach International Airport (LGB) may be small, but it’s a vibrant hub that connects the South‑Coast to major U.S. cities. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a vacation planner, or an airline skeptic, this post breaks down the airlines that serve LGB, the routes they offer, and the practical factors that can help you choose the best option for your next trip.
1. Overview of Long Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport sits just 5 mi south of downtown Los Angeles and is the 7th‑largest in the Los Angeles County system. With a single terminal and an ever‑growing list of carriers, LGB has become the preferred domestic gateway for Southwest, Alaska, and American Airlines. The airport is renowned for:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1942 |
| Runway Length | 10,425 ft (1 runway) |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | ~7.5 million (2023) |
| Terminal Layout | Simple layout, one terminal, two concourses (A & B) |
| Ground Transport | LAX Freeways, rideshare, shuttle, Amtrak’s Long Beach station |
Source: Long Beach Airport Official Site, FAA Data 2023
2. Airlines Serving LGB
Long Beach Airport is served by three major U.S. carriers:
- American Airlines
- Alaska Airlines (incl. United through code‑share)
- Southwest Airlines
Every airline offers a distinct experience, from fare structures to lounge services. Below is a detailed overview.
2.1 American Airlines
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | ~10 daily flights (mostly West Coast and Midwest) |
| Main Destinations | LA, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas‑Fort Worth |
| Class Options | Economy, Economy Plus, Business |
| Baggage Allowance | 2 checked bags (up to 50 lb each) for most domestic flights |
| Frequent‑Flyer Program | AAdvantage |
Practical Tip:
If you’re a frequent flyer, consider the AA FanDuel Programs – a partnership that sometimes offers free seat upgrades with e‑ticket purchase.
2.2 Alaska Airlines
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | ~8 daily flights (West Coast, Sacramento, Seattle) |
| Main Destinations | Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Las Vegas |
| Class Options | Economy, Comfort Class |
| Baggage Allowance | 1–2 checked bags (up to 50 lb each) |
| Frequent‑Flyer Program | Mileage Plan |
Practical Tip:
Alaska’s Comfort Class tickets give you a seat bump, extra legroom, and a free meal on flights to or from international points. On domestic routes, it’s an excellent upgrade at a fraction of the price.
2.3 Southwest Airlines
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | ~15+ daily flights (major West Coast hubs) |
| Main Destinations | LA, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco |
| Class Options | W.I.S.E. (Wanna Get It Seat Experience): Standard, Preferred, Business |
| Baggage Allowance | Unlimited carry‑on, 1 × 2 lb checked bag for AAA (Associate) members |
| Frequent‑Flyer Program | Rapid Rewards |
Practical Tip:
Southwest’s “no‑change fee” policy is a saving grace for unpredictable travelers. If your trip is flexible, book a $2 change fee to lock in a future upgrade.
3. Comparing the Airlines in a Table
| Airline | Star Alliance Partner | Common Destinations | Baggage | Seat Comfort | Loyalty Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Star Alliance (via United) | LAX, SFO, SEA, DEN | 2 checked | ★★ | AAdvantage |
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska, United Code‑Share | SEA, SFO, Portland, Las Vegas | 2 checked | ★★ (Comfort) | Mileage Plan |
| Southwest Airlines | None | LAX, SFO, Seattle, San Diego | 1 checked | ★ (Preferred, Business) | Rapid Rewards |
Star ratings reflect seat comfort scores on SITA or SeatGuru – based on seat pitch and width.
4. Practical Tips for Flying Out of LGB
4.1 Book Early, but Keep an Eye on Deals
- Price Alerts: Use Google Flights or Hopper for LGB‑based routes. Southwest and Alaska periodically trigger flash sales.
- Off‑Peak Times: Flights leaving mid‑week (Tues‑Thurs) or late at night often come cheaper.
4.2 Navigating LGB’s Terminal
- Spot Directional Signage: The airport has clear “Departure” and “Baggage Claim” signs from the curb.
- Luggage Deposit Options: For quick drop‑off, use the terminal‐side luggage store; it’s typically less congested than LAX.
4.3 Seat Selection Strategy
- American & Alaska: Book early to lock in seat assignments if you prefer aisle or window.
- Southwest: If you’re a W.I.S.E. passenger, choose your seat at the time of booking and use seat maps from the airline’s site.
4.4 Ground Transportation from LGB to Your Destination
| Option | Speed | Cost | Rental Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride‑share | 10–20 min to LAX | $30–$40 | — |
| Public Bus | 30 min to Downtown LA | $4–$5 | Getmetoo |
| Shuttle | 20 min to LAX | $35–$45 | LGB Shuttle |
| Rental Car | 6 minutes | $25–$80/day | Multiple agencies in terminal |
Remember: LGB falls under car‑pool lanes on the freeways; plan accordingly.
5. Accessibility and Customer Service
Long Beach Airport prioritizes accessibility, with all gates equipped for wheelchair access and a Transit and Accessibility Center in the terminal. American and Alaska provide advisory services for pets and allergy‑free seats. Southwest’s open‑door policy means you’re usually able to speak to a flight attendant after boarding if you need assistance.
6. Conclusion
Choosing an airline at Long Beach Airport depends largely on your destination, preferred cost class, and travel habits. For budget travelers wanting simplicity, Southwest remains king. For those who value seat comfort and will fly to a number of larger hubs, Alaska’s Comfort Class or American’s Business class can add value. By leveraging booking tools, early planning, and understanding baggage rules, you can make the most out of anything LGB has to offer.
Credible Sources
- Long Beach Airport Official Website – https://www.longbeachairport.com
- FAA Airport Data – https://www.faa.gov/airports/hub/airport_traffic_data
- American Airlines FanDuel Program – https://www.fanduel.com
- Alaska Airlines Comfort Class – https://www.alaskaair.com
- Southwest Airlines W.I.S.E. Program – https://www.southwest.com
- SeatGuru – Seat Pitch & Width – https://www.seatguru.com
- Google Flights – https://www.google.com/flights
Feel free to drop a comment or share your own Long Beach Airport travel hacks!
