Traveling through one of the busiest airports in the world—Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)—can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re not sure which terminal to go to or what services are available. For travelers flying Spirit Airlines, understanding the terminal setup, facilities, and travel procedures can make a big difference in how smooth your journey is.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the spirit airlines lax terminal, including where it’s located, what amenities are available, how to check in efficiently, what to expect with baggage and boarding, and how to make your travel day as hassle-free as possible.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): A Brief Overview
Before diving into the specifics of Spirit Airlines, let’s take a quick look at LAX itself. LAX is a major international hub with nine terminals organized in a horseshoe layout. It serves millions of passengers each year and offers connections to destinations around the globe.
Navigating LAX can be challenging due to its size, construction projects, and high volume of traffic, but once you understand the general structure of the airport, it becomes more manageable.
Each terminal is home to various airlines, and while some carriers operate from multiple terminals, most have a primary base—including Spirit Airlines.
Where to Find Spirit Airlines at LAX
Spirit Airlines flights depart from Terminal 5, located in the central horseshoe of LAX. Terminal 5 is one of the more traveler-friendly terminals at the airport, offering modern facilities, decent dining options, and clear signage throughout.
Features of Terminal 5:
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Main Airlines: Spirit, American (some flights), and other select domestic carriers
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Gates: Typically Gates 50–59
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Security Checkpoints: One main entrance with multiple screening lanes
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Levels: Departures on the upper level, arrivals and baggage claim on the lower
If you’re being dropped off by a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle service, the departure level drop-off area for Terminal 5 is the most convenient option. Keep in mind that construction work and traffic delays are common, so build in extra time.
Spirit Airlines Check-In Process
Spirit Airlines offers several ways to check in, both online and at the airport. Because of its ultra-low-cost model, Spirit minimizes services at the terminal and encourages passengers to use digital tools whenever possible.
Check-In Options:
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Online Check-In: Available starting 24 hours before departure on Spirit’s website or mobile app
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Mobile Boarding Pass: You can download your boarding pass to your phone to skip printing
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Airport Kiosks: For passengers who need to print a boarding pass or check bags
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Agent Counter: For those who require assistance or are traveling with special circumstances
Pro Tip:
If you arrive at the airport without checking in online or printing your boarding pass, Spirit may charge a fee for printing at the counter. Avoid this by checking in before heading to LAX.
Baggage Policies and Fees
One of the most important things to prepare for when flying Spirit is understanding their baggage policies. Spirit’s fare structure is designed to offer low base prices and then charge for extras such as bags and seat selection.
Personal Item:
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Included with your ticket (e.g., backpack, purse)
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Must fit under the seat (18" x 14" x 8")
Carry-On Bag:
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Not included with basic fare
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Can be added during booking, online check-in, or at the airport
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Must fit in overhead bin (22" x 18" x 10")
Checked Bags:
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Fees vary by route, weight, and when purchased
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Must weigh under 40 lbs. for standard fee
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Oversize or overweight bags incur additional charges
Baggage Tips:
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Pre-pay for your bags online—it’s significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
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Weigh your bags at home to avoid surprise fees.
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Use Spirit’s online bag calculator to estimate costs before travel.
Security Screening at Terminal 5
After checking in and dropping off your bags, you'll head to the security checkpoint. Terminal 5 has one main security area, and during peak times, the lines can be long.
Security Process:
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Standard Screening: Remove shoes, belts, liquids, and laptops
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TSA PreCheck: Available for eligible passengers (dedicated line)
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CLEAR: Available for subscribers with biometric screening access
Once you pass through security, you’ll enter the gate area, where you can relax, eat, shop, or find a charging station.
Boarding Procedures with Spirit Airlines
Spirit uses a zone boarding system based on the seat you selected (or were assigned). The airline boards from back to front, starting with passengers who purchased priority boarding or need extra time.
What to Expect:
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Listen for announcements—boarding moves quickly
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Have your boarding pass and ID ready
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Spirit staff will check bag sizes at the gate and charge fees for oversized items
If you’re traveling light with only a personal item, you’ll likely board faster and disembark more quickly as well.
Dining Options in Terminal 5
While Spirit doesn’t serve complimentary food or beverages on board, Terminal 5 offers several great options to fuel up before your flight.
Sit-Down and Quick Eats:
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Ford’s Filling Station: American comfort food with a gastropub vibe
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Lemonade: Fresh, seasonal salads and meals with a California flair
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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Grab your caffeine fix before boarding
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La Provence Patisserie: French-inspired baked goods and sandwiches
Snacks and Essentials:
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Hudson News: Magazines, bottled drinks, snacks
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L.A. Market Express: Grab-and-go convenience foods
If you have time before your flight, consider grabbing a proper meal, as food options on Spirit flights are available for purchase only.
Shopping and Other Amenities
Although Spirit doesn’t offer lounge access, Terminal 5 is well-equipped with basic amenities for all travelers.
Amenities Include:
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Charging Stations: Available at most seating areas
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Free Wi-Fi: Throughout the terminal
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Water Refill Stations: Bring your empty bottle to fill after security
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Restrooms: Clean and easily accessible
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Pet Relief Area: Located just outside the terminal
Terminal 5 also has a few tech shops, bookstores, and travel accessory stands for last-minute purchases.
Transportation to and from LAX
Getting to or from LAX can be the most chaotic part of your travel day. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available right outside Terminal 5.
Rideshare & Pickup:
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LAX-it Lot: Rideshare pickups for Uber, Lyft, and taxis happen at the LAX-it lot, accessible by a free shuttle.
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Hotel Shuttles: Most hotel shuttles stop on the lower (arrival) level.
Parking:
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Short-Term Parking: Located in Parking Structure 5 across from Terminal 5
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Long-Term Parking: Available in economy lots with shuttle service
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Valet Parking: Premium service available in some terminal garages
Public Transportation:
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Metro Bus & FlyAway: Cost-effective options for getting to downtown LA, Union Station, or nearby neighborhoods
Travel Tips for Flying Spirit Airlines at LAX
1. Travel Light:
Bring only a personal item to avoid fees and board faster.
2. Prepay for Bags:
Online prices are always cheaper than paying at the airport.
3. Use the Mobile App:
Check-in, track your flight, and manage boarding passes with ease.
4. Bring Your Own Snacks:
Food and drinks are not complimentary onboard.
5. Arrive Early:
Allow at least two hours before departure—traffic, check-in lines, and TSA queues can be unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Spirit Airlines at LAX?
Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Does Spirit Airlines allow free carry-on?
No. Only one personal item is included in the base fare. Carry-on and checked luggage require additional fees.
Are there food options in Terminal 5?
Yes. Terminal 5 features restaurants, coffee shops, and grab-and-go food counters.
Is Wi-Fi available at the terminal?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout LAX, including Terminal 5.
Can I use TSA PreCheck at Terminal 5?
Yes. Spirit participates in TSA PreCheck, and a separate lane is available at the security checkpoint.
Where do rideshare pickups occur for Spirit passengers?
Rideshares pick up at the LAX-it lot, which is accessible via shuttle from Terminal 5.
Is there parking near the Spirit Airlines terminal?
Yes. Parking Structure 5 is directly across from Terminal 5 for short- and long-term parking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re flying Spirit Airlines out of Los Angeles, knowing your terminal and what to expect can take a lot of stress out of your trip. Terminal 5 at LAX offers a balanced mix of convenience and comfort, making it an efficient place to start or end your journey.
By checking in ahead of time, traveling light, and being aware of Spirit’s policies, you’ll set yourself up for a much smoother experience. The spirit airlines lax terminal may not have luxury lounges or fancy extras, but with the right preparation, it offers everything you need for a successful flight.