Flying from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
The first chapter of your trip begins at one of New York's main airports, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Explore your options for booking a flight from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) setting off from either of these bases.
Expect to be in the air for 6 hours 20 minutes. That's the average duration of a direct New York to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-8, which is three hours behind New York. Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles.
With 193 direct weekly flights between the two airports, New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest route. JetBlue Airways operates the earliest flight at 5:59am. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest departure from JFK to LAX is with JetBlue Airways at 10:15pm.
To ensure you get on your flight from New York to LAX, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Popular months like July or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean bigger waits at check-in and security. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and up four hours ahead of international flights is a smart idea.
Airports in New York
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
You can take a direct flight from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) out of New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Choose from a variety of carriers offering direct flights from New York to Los Angeles International Airport leaving from JFK. Reserve your trip with one of these:
Most travellers choose to book seats with Delta between JFK and LAX.
Among carriers operating on this route, American Airlines leads the way for on-time arrivals.
Located around 24 kms (15 miles) from the centre of New York, JFK can be reached in about 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 50 minutes.
Catching an early flight from New York to Los Angeles International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near New York John F. Kennedy International Airport:
Of the flights that depart from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, 73% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
JFK's address is JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
You can book a direct New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) plane ticket with departures from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Decide if leaving from EWR is a better fit for your trip.
When jetting off from EWR, you'll have your pick of airlines that operate direct flights from New York to LAX. Cruise through the sky with these preferred carriers:
On the EWR to LAX route, United is the preferred choice for many passengers.
Spirit Airlines is the most consistently on-time carrier operating flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
EWR is about 24 kms (15 miles) from central New York. It'll take you 35 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Taking off bright and early? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near Newark Liberty International Airport the day before your New York to LAX flight:
Newark Liberty International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 71%. This figure sheds light on how frequently flights departing from this airport land at their destination on schedule.
EWR is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
From central New York, LGA is around 13 kms (8 miles) away. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get to the airport by car and 55 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Skip the rush on your departure day — stay close to New York LaGuardia Airport and know you'll be at your gate with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early New York to Los Angeles International Airport flight:
Flights that depart from LGA arrive at their destination as scheduled 69% of the time.
The street address of New York LaGuardia Airport is Hangar 7 Centre.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Have a late flight from New York to Los Angeles International Airport? Don't let it stretch your travel day into tomorrow. Stay at one of these hotels near LAX and fast-forward to bedtime:
To get the best deal, reserve your vehicle around one week ahead of your New York to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport is around 29 kms (18 miles) from central Los Angeles. It takes around 35 minutes or so to get to the city by car.
Travelling by public transport takes about 1 hour.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
At the moment, £78 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from New York to Los Angeles International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is £154. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from New York to LAX if you book ahead. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest New York to Los Angeles International Airport tickets across the entire month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from New York to LAX by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from New York to Los Angeles International Airport.
The best time to fly from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
July is the busiest month for flights from New York to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Plan your visit to Los Angeles in December if you'd rather avoid peak season.
Book a New York to LAX plane ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from New York to Los Angeles International Airport in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from New York to Los Angeles International Airport, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are loads of things to do in Los Angeles when you're ready to sightsee. Make your way to Hollywood Sign followed by Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen Los Angeles, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Journey around 177 kms (110 miles) southeast to San Diego to tick off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 161 kms (100 miles) north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is another essential stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Kern County Museum, Rabobank Arena, Theatre & Convention Centre and Bakersfield Museum of Art.