“America’s civilian air industry in the 1920s was, to all intents and purposes, non-existent.

When Los Angeles Airport (LAX) opened on October 1, 1928, it was just like all the other U.S airports - a field. LAX historian Ethel Pattison described it as ‘a dirt patch with rabbits running around’, which was a good standard for that time. But how times have changed.

Here we tell LAX’s story as it celebrates its 90th anniversary – past, present and future – using fascinating vintage photographs and renderings of what’s in store for users of the hub in the years to come…”

https://dailym.ai/2D9CAU8

I was not impressed with LAX on my last trip.

If it gets shut down will it be ExLAX

I do not miss LAX. It was close to a third world shithole when I was going thru there. The only worse L.A. airport was Burbank; it WAS a third world shithole.

The best thing about LAX was leaving LAX.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
If it gets shut down will it be ExLAX

A few years back a layover in Las Vegas McCarran International Airport had me convinced the authority was trying to save on cooling expenses by reducing the amount of outside air introduced into the building. The whole place had a strong bathroom smell.

On my first trip to the Big Island, a free-wheeling kid with just a small duffle, I had a 6-hour lay-over at LAX. And took the bus to the Santa Monica Pier. I did not get lost, had a decent visit, and made it back for my flight. I remember the airport that first time as huge and barren.

Another memorable visit, taking the red eye out of Honolulu, we came in for a 6am landing at LAX. It was timed so perfectly, the giant two-aisle plane 90% empty, no circling, straight across the ocean, and straight onto a perfect landing at sunrise. I was impressed with the timing of the whole affair.

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
I do not miss LAX. It was close to a third world shithole when I was going thru there. The only worse L.A. airport was Burbank; it WAS a third world shithole.

The best thing about LAX was leaving LAX.

RMD

I've got almost 500 round trips into LAX over the past 16 years (passenger, not crew). I'm on Southwest, so terminal one. I'm in early in the morning and out mid afternoon the next day, so I avoid a bunch of the nightmares that others experience in terminals 2-6.

As for Burbank, she ain't pretty but simple enough.

On the picture from 1953, you can see the oil derricks at the Inglewood lease.

Thanks for the post. I love old airport pictures.

As for LAX now, third world shithole is a pretty good summary. Thankfully I don’t fly through there much but when I do I dread it immensely.

Now people wear pajamas on the flights.

Although 1/3 of the women wearing yoga pants are a nice sight to see... and the remaining 2/3 usually a humorous sight...

I passed through LAX ONCE, and that was in 1985. If I need to go to the LA area, I fly into SNA (Santa Ana, aka, John Wayne). Plus, you get to see the big statue of the Duke:

Yeah, I do SNA or Ontario if I am forced to go to LA.

Never could figure out why Orange County named an airport after a man who absolutely hated flying.

I detest LAX

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
Yeah, I do SNA or Ontario if I am forced to go to LA.

Yep, SNA or Ontario are both nice airports.

RMD

quote:

Originally posted by rduckwor:
... The only worse L.A. airport was Burbank; it WAS a third world shithole.

RMD

What’s wrong with Burbank airport (Bob Hope Airport)?!

That’s my go-to when flying into LA. I like that it’s small — really small.

LAX is awful. In the last 20 years, I used Burbank whenever possible. A dank little place, but eons better than LAX.

Cool photos! I do Burbank as well if I have to visit the area.

Thanks for the post. I grew up in Hermosa Beach in the sixties and was always amazed by traveling under the jets as they crossed over on the overpass. Still sticks clearly in my mind 50 years later.

I flew into and out of LAX a year ago. Absolutely the nastiest, grossest airport I've ever been in.

Trash cans in the bathrooms over flowing. Homeless people dragging blankets through the ticket counter areas in the morning. I think they let homeless people live there at night. I moved a chair in a waiting area to b closer to an outlet. There was trash, including an old magazine with a dried milkshake stuck to it, under the chair. They don't even move the furniture when they are cleaning.

the last 15 or 20 times I had to fly to LA for work, I flew in and out of Burbank

awesome little airport - quick on and off the airport and you just walk down a set of steps off the airplane and into the building

just like the old days