LAX Named Worst U.S. Airport for International Travel in 2025

Key Takeaways

• LAX averages 31.8 minutes immigration wait; 12.8% delayed over one hour in summer 2024.
• Non-U.S. citizens face longer waits, averaging 43.7 minutes during busy times at LAX.
• LAX modernization ongoing but won’t finish until near 2028 Olympics, causing persistent delays.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has just been named the worst U.S. airport for international travel, according to new data released in May 2025. This news comes as millions of travelers prepare for the busy summer season, raising concerns for anyone planning to enter or leave the United States 🇺🇸 through this major gateway. The ranking is based on official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data and detailed studies by travel industry experts, confirming that LAX now holds the longest immigration wait times and some of the highest rates of delays for international passengers.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, why LAX is struggling, and what steps you can take if you’re planning international travel through this airport.

Why LAX Is Now the Worst U.S. Airport for International Travel

The main reason LAX has earned this unwanted title is its long immigration wait times. According to the latest CBP data, the average wait for international travelers at LAX is 31.8 minutes—the highest among all major U.S. airports. For non-U.S. citizens, the situation is even worse, with average waits stretching to 43.7 minutes during busy periods. About 12.8% of all international travelers at LAX are delayed for more than an hour at immigration, making it the second-worst in the country for these long delays.

In comparison, other airports perform much better. For example, Palm Beach International in Florida has an average wait of just 3.5 minutes, and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport averages 6.4 minutes, with almost all travelers processed in under 15 minutes. These numbers highlight just how much LAX is struggling to keep up with the needs of international travelers.

How the Rankings Were Determined

The rankings come from the CBP Airport Wait Times dataset, which tracks how long travelers spend in immigration lines at 41 major U.S. airports. The data covers the summer of 2024 (June 1 to August 31), a period when international travel is at its peak. The analysis looked at:

• Average wait times for both U.S. citizens and non-citizens
• Percentage of travelers processed in under 15 minutes
• Percentage of travelers delayed over 60 minutes

These numbers give a clear picture of how well—or how poorly—each airport handles the flow of international passengers.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Here’s how LAX compares to other major U.S. airports for international travel:

As you can see, LAX is at the top of the list for long waits and high rates of delays, especially when compared to airports like Palm Beach and Orange County, which process travelers much faster.

Why Is LAX So Slow for International Travel?

LAX’s problems are not new. The airport has a long history of congestion, confusing terminal layouts, and ongoing construction projects. In fact, Fodor’s Travel called LAX the “World’s Worst Airport” back in 2019, pointing to its “catastrophic horseshoe motor-loop” and constant traffic jams. Even with efforts to modernize the airport, these issues have not gone away.

Some of the main reasons for the slow processing at LAX include:

• Terminal congestion: The airport’s design makes it hard for travelers to move quickly between gates, immigration, and baggage claim.
• Ongoing construction: Major projects, like the new automated people mover and expanded transit links, are still years from completion.
• Staffing and policy challenges: There have been no recent increases in CBP staffing, and changes in immigration and trade policy have added to the delays.
• High passenger volume: LAX remains one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸, even though its global ranking has slipped in recent years.

What International Travelers Can Expect at LAX

If you’re planning international travel through LAX, here’s a step-by-step look at what you might face:

1. Arrival: After your plane lands, you’ll leave the aircraft and follow signs to immigration.
2. Immigration Line: You’ll join a line for passport control. The average wait is now 31.8 minutes, but if you’re not a U.S. citizen, expect it to be even longer—often over 40 minutes during busy times.
3. Document Check: When you reach the front, a CBP officer will check your passport and visa. Non-citizens may be asked more questions or need to provide extra documents.
4. Customs: After immigration, you’ll collect your bags and go through customs. This can add more time, especially if there are many flights arriving at once.
5. Exit: Finally, you’ll leave the customs area and try to find ground transportation. This can be slow due to construction and heavy traffic around the terminals.

Tip: If you’re connecting to another flight, make sure to allow plenty of extra time—at least two to three hours—between flights.

Who Is Most Affected by LAX’s Delays?

• Non-U.S. Citizens: The longest waits are for travelers who are not U.S. citizens. During peak periods, waits can reach 43.7 minutes or more. This can be stressful, especially for families, students, and business travelers who may have tight schedules or connecting flights.
• Tourists and Business Travelers: Long delays can make LAX less attractive for international tourists and business visitors, which could hurt the local economy.
• Airport Staff and Airlines: Slow processing times can cause missed connections, lost luggage, and more complaints, putting extra pressure on airport workers and airline staff.

What Are Airport Officials Saying?

John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), has admitted that LAX faces serious challenges. He points to “consumer confidence, immigration and trade policy, [and] monetary policy” as reasons for the airport’s recent drop in passenger numbers and ongoing operational problems. Despite these issues, officials say they are investing in new infrastructure and technology to improve the experience for international travelers.

Industry Experts Warn of Bigger Problems Ahead

Travel industry analysts are worried that LAX’s slow immigration process could have long-term effects. With the 2028 Olympics coming to Los Angeles, the world will be watching how the airport handles large crowds. If things don’t improve, LAX could lose even more international travelers to other airports with faster processing and better service.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these delays are already making some travelers choose alternative airports, especially those with shorter wait times and easier connections.

What Is Being Done to Fix the Problems at LAX?

LAX is in the middle of a massive modernization effort, with billions of dollars being spent on new terminals, better transit connections, and the long-awaited automated people mover. However, most of these projects won’t be finished until just before the 2028 Olympics. In the meantime, travelers will have to deal with construction zones, detours, and crowded terminals.

There are also calls for more CBP officers to be assigned to LAX, but so far, no major staffing increases or policy changes have been announced. Federal budget limits and changing immigration rules may make it even harder to speed up processing this summer.

How Does LAX Compare to Other U.S. Airports?

While LAX is now the worst for international travel, other airports are also struggling. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has almost the same average wait time (31.7 minutes) and an even higher percentage of travelers delayed over an hour (13.6%). Nashville (BNA) is not far behind, with a 31.1-minute average wait.

On the other hand, some airports are doing much better. Palm Beach International (PBI) and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) have average waits of just a few minutes, with almost all travelers processed quickly. These airports benefit from smaller passenger numbers and more efficient layouts.

What Should International Travelers Do?

If you have to travel internationally through LAX, here are some steps you can take to make your trip smoother:

• Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time, especially if you’re not a U.S. citizen or have a connecting flight.
• Check Wait Times: Use the official CBP Airport Wait Times tool to see real-time updates for LAX and other U.S. airports.
• Prepare Documents: Have your passport, visa, and any other required documents ready before you reach the immigration desk.
• Consider Alternatives: If possible, look at flying into or out of other airports with shorter wait times, such as Orange County or Palm Beach.
• Stay Informed: Check the LAX official website for updates on construction, terminal changes, and ground transportation options.

What Does the Future Hold for LAX and International Travel?

The hope is that ongoing construction and modernization will eventually make LAX a better place for international travelers. The new automated people mover and improved transit links should help reduce congestion and speed up the flow of passengers. However, these improvements are still several years away, and most travelers won’t see big changes until closer to the 2028 Olympics.

In the short term, travelers should expect continued delays, especially during the busy summer months. Airport officials and federal agencies will need to work together to find ways to speed up processing and make LAX a more attractive option for international travel.

Official Resources for International Travelers

• Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA):
  • Website: flylax.com
  • General Inquiries: (855) 463-5252
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
  • Airport Wait Times
  • Traveler Information

These resources offer the latest information on airport operations, wait times, and travel requirements for entering the United States 🇺🇸.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for International Travel at LAX

LAX’s new ranking as the worst U.S. airport for international travel is a wake-up call for travelers, airport officials, and policymakers alike. With average immigration waits now over 30 minutes—and much longer for non-citizens—anyone planning to use LAX for international travel should prepare for possible delays and consider alternative airports if possible.

While major improvements are on the way, they won’t be finished for several years. Until then, travelers can use official tools like the CBP Airport Wait Times website to plan their trips and avoid the worst delays. By staying informed and allowing extra time, you can reduce stress and make your international journey through LAX a little bit easier.

For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates about LAX and other U.S. airport immigration issues, you can visit VisaVerge.com, which tracks the latest trends and policy changes affecting international travel.

Remember, the key to a smoother experience at LAX is preparation. Check wait times, have your documents ready, and give yourself plenty of time to get through immigration and customs. With patience and planning, you can still enjoy your international travel—even at the busiest U.S. airport.

Learn Today

LAX → Los Angeles International Airport, a major U.S. airport with high international passenger traffic.
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agency managing immigration and border security at airports.
Immigration wait time → The average time passengers spend waiting in line for passport control at airports.
Automated People Mover → Planned automated transit system at LAX to connect terminals and parking, reducing congestion.
International traveler → Any passenger entering or leaving the U.S. through customs and immigration.

This Article in a Nutshell

LAX became the worst U.S. airport for international travel due to 31.8-minute average immigration waits and delays. Non-U.S. citizens experience longer lines. While modernization projects are underway, travelers must plan extra time and consider alternatives during peak seasons until improvements finish near 2028 Olympics.
— By VisaVerge.com