Navigating LAX:

It’s always been daunting flying into or out of Los Angeles International Airport around the holidays. This year could be more challenging, with increased security following the September terrorist attacks. Here are some tips for negotiating LAX:

PARKING:

To avoid the central terminal area, park in remote Lots B and C and take the free LAX shuttle to the terminal. Or park at one of the many private parking lots and take their courtesy shuttles.

DROP OFF/PICK UP:

Passengers can be dropped off at 9011 Airport Boulevard and board the free shuttle to the terminal. Private cars entering the central terminal area may not stop at curbside, including those displaying disabled placards or license plates. Taxis, shuttles and limousines can drop off passengers curbside. All private cars must proceed to a parking structure to drop off or pick up passengers. Vehicles with disabled plates or placards can park free in metered parking stalls in central terminal area parking structures. Open-air metered parking lots in the central terminal area remain closed. All vehicles entering the central terminal area are subject to random search.

ID:

The FAA requires that passengers show a government-issued photo identification at airline check-in points. If a photo ID is not available, two non-photo forms of ID may be acceptable if one is government. Check with your airline to be sure. Non-U.S. citizens and resident aliens should check with U.S. Customs about what forms of ID will be required.

TICKETS:

If you have an e-ticket, take a printed confirmation or the passenger record locater number. You’ll need tickets, boarding passes and ID readily at hand because they will be required at checkpoints and airline gates. Names on tickets and IDs must match.

TIME:

Allow sufficient time. Check the status of the flight shortly before leaving for the airport. Factor in parking, crowds, getting a boarding pass, going through security and finding your gate. The industry standard is two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

BAGS:

Curbside baggage check is available again at most domestic airlines. (Only commercial vehicles, however, may stop at the curb.) If you can check your bags at the curb or plan to fly with only carry-ons, you should not have to stand in line at airline ticket counters.

CARRY-ONS:

Take only one carry-on and a personal item. Make sure you have identification on all carry-on items. These must be X-rayed at security checkpoints. Generally, the carry-on should measure less than 9 by 14 by 22 inches and weigh less that 40 pounds. The FAA prohibits the following items in your carry-on: knives or cutting instruments of any size or description; corkscrews; baseball or softball bats; golf clubs; pool cues; ski poles; and hockey sticks. Do not wrap gifts you plan to carry on board. Take batteries out of toys and other electronic items.

CHECKPOINTS:

The FAA advises travelers not to wear items made of metal. Electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones will be checked more carefully. More passengers will be searched at random, chiefly with hand-held metal-detecting wands.

QUESTIONS:

For questions regarding any of the above items, check https://www.lawa.org, call LAX at 310-646-5252 or toll-free at 888-544-9444. Or contact the airline.

Compiled by MALOY MOORE / Los Angeles Times