long beach airport airlines

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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

Feel free to drop a comment or share your own Long Beach Airport travel hacks!

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