LAX Transit Systems Remain a Question

Proposals for light-rail lines running to Los Angeles International Airport appear to be stalled again, according to a recent story in the Los Angeles Times. County transportation officials rejected four proposals to build light-rail stations underneath LAX’s terminals, a key component in getting people to use this transportation method. According to surveys, Angelenos would use the Metro to get to the airport if they had direct access to the terminals. Under current plans, the nearest rail stations would be at the southern end of the runways and about 1.5 miles east of the terminals.

Most people who need to get to the airport aren’t thrilled about the idea of taking a train that stops near the airport, but doesn’t allow them easy access to the terminal. The same survey also found that the number of transfers would affect how many people actually take the train. After all, getting to LAX should be as easy and hassle-free as possible. Even for those who already live along the Green Line (which currently has stops near the southern end of the LAX runways), getting to the terminals requires the use of a shuttle. And if you have to take a shuttle either way, why not just take your own car?

Public transportation only works when the convenience of riding the train greatly outweighs taking your own vehicle. Trains run on their own schedule, not the individual commuter’s, so they have to offer numerous advantages to make up for this difference. Trains that fail to take travelers to the LAX terminals are not convenient at all. And with the second light-rail line – which will have a station 1.5 miles away from the terminals – not scheduled for completion until 2019, it seems like those flying out of LAX will be left with few options for the time being, other than driving their own vehicles. On the plus side, taking your own car means you can leave and arrive according to your schedule.

Park and Fly Away: Factors to Consider to Safely Park Your Car as You Travel

As a frequent traveler, comfort is the most important priority of your journey. Comfort in this sense is not limited to securing a good seat in the plane alone but also includes your transit to the airport. This is why you prefer to drive your own car on the way to and from the airport instead of taking a cab that sometimes may overcharge you with your luggage.

Thankfully, you are spared from the inconvenience commuting to the airport may bring. While you are not totally spared from encountering technicalities as you leave your car in the airport, here are some tips to help you stay worry-free as you leave your car in the airport.

Secure Parking

Since you will be away for a couple of days to weeks, leaving your car in the streets is risky. Who knows, you may not be able to find your car the moment you come back from your trip. To avoid this major inconvenience, it is best to park your vehicle in a secure car park. This way, your car is housed safely away from the elements of nature as well as from the burglars. Security guards also roves around the parking area several times within the day to ensure that cars parked in their establishment are still there. While majority of the airports offer secure car parking, it is important to consider factors such as surveillance, frequency of patrolling and presence of fences before leaving your car in a particular parking slot.

Lighting

Secure a well-lit spot for your vehicle. This reduces the chances of your car being stolen while you are out on a trip. Remember that cars parked in dark areas are the favorite of thieves as they can easily steal a car without getting noticed.

Distance

The distance between the airport and the parking area should also be considered. As much as possible, secure a parking slot that is not only secure but also has close proximity to the terminal. Although you may shell out a little bit more when you get a parking slot near the airport terminal, this is a lot convenient rather than walking for a few blocks or riding a shuttle bus just to get to your vehicle.

Reservation

With the large volume of travelers going in and out of your city, parking spaces in the airport can easily get full, forcing you to look around for other parking spaces for your vehicle. Prevent this from happening by reserving a slot for your car. This way, you are guaranteed of a parking slot and you get to avoid the stress that finding a parking space under the nick of time can bring.