Originally Posted by
formeraa
Perhaps you could check with the airport (LAWA) and get the answer to your question.
I didn't get anywhere. The woman that answered the phone *thought that we could but wasn't sure. Transferred my call, no answer, left a message, and no call back.
Originally Posted by
TomJoseph
There are a few hotels near LAX that offer a stay and park deal. You stay the night at the hotel and leave your car in their parking lot for the trip. I have done that many times at the LAX Embassy Suites South and I think once at the LAX Hilton a few years ago. They have covered parking and (at least at the time) the price for just parking at a off airport parking lot was similar to the stay and park deal.
That is what we were originally looking into, but with only traveling for a few days, it seemed like a LOT of money to spend for what would amount to about 4 hours of use. If we were going for a week (or longer) and didn't have a 5am flight, this is what we would do!
Originally Posted by
NextTrip
OP - I have no idea if LAX Police sweep the terminal (varies by airport) and kick folks out of the secure area, but if you arrive before midnight, your boarding pass will be for the next day. TSA my not let you into the secure area because your boarding pass is not for the current day. If you arrive after midnight, the checkpoint may be closed. Just a thought.
The checkpoint is definitely closed after 11pm for T1, so your latter point is correct. It's the former that I haven't gotten a real answer about and hence my post. I specifically remember doing this at PDX about 8 years ago or so (arrive at airport 11pm for a 6am flight the following day) and had no issues.
Originally Posted by
LegalTender
TBIT would be my choice. There are armrest-free benches landside and others are sleeping over, so you're more inconspicuous. LAX cops do roust homeless people but all you need to do is show your ticket. If you can clear TSA, the T6 ↔ T7 and T7 ↔ T8 connectors are on the concourse level. You're not really bothered by announcements on those long elevated walkways - perfect for overnighting. Take a blanket, though.
All good info; I appreciate it. This sounds like the best bet if we don't sleep in the car.
Thank you everyone. I think we might give the car camping a whirl for the few hours that we have. I can put the middle seats down flat and bring our backpacking Thermarests for extra padding. I guess even pillows if we wanted. If not, we'll head to TBIT.