This week my eldest daughter and I traveled to Phoenix to visit my youngest daughter. We usually…read moredrive the 6 hours from SoCal to Phoenix. Since we'd be there for only a few days we flew Southwest Airlines instead. Daughter #1 lives in the Valley. I live in OC so we both decided to take Amtrak and meet at Hollywood Burbank Airport. I usually fly out of Long Beach LBX or John Wayne Airport SNA in Irvine. Hollywood Burbank Airport was like a step back in time. The one story sprawling terminal reminded me of a California mission. The interior appeared to be original circa 1950s. No long walk to check-in or to TSA check point. Shorter walk to the gate. What a throwback. What convenience. Upon our return, baggage claim boasts 2 turnstiles. And yet the airport, on a Tuesday and again on Thursday, was a buzz with foot traffic. Masses of travelers coming and going. We enjoyed the intimacy of the airport. And have definitely added it to our preferred list of airports for local travel.

For some reason I always think this airport will be easier than LAX, but I am not sure I still…read morebelieve that. Upon landing, half the plane had to get off on a really steep staircase. Then we went to baggage claim, which is a tiny room where everyone stands 6 inches from the baggage belt, so it is nearly impossible to see your bag coming or even get to it. Perhaps the worst system I have seen in my life. Going through security on the way back was fine. The precheck line is longer than the regular line, so I hope they staff lines accordingly in the future. There really are no amenities here. No restaurants, nowhere to plug your phone in, nothing. I went to buy a water and it was $9. I would hate to have a delayed flight here, it's kind of a nightmare. Next time I will save myself the trouble and just go to LAX.

LAX... I'm convinced you are always under construction! Most of your airport is overwhelming and…read moreconfusing! Tips- be prepared to walk... a lot. Also transfer buses. A lot of hallways with nothing on the ceilings and a cold empty feel. Don't waste your money taking a $200-300 dollar uber. Get in a flyaway bus to union station or one of there other locations. It's like $12. Also if you loose something here you are pretty much screwed.. you have to fill out a long thing online and wait! Heads up.. this is one of the busiest airports in the United States and in my utter honest opinion usually a complete mess!

When I landed I discovered that there are shuttles to the ground transportation lot. I missed the…read moresignage showing how to walk there but another traveler advised me to take the shuttle as you have to cross streets walking to the lot. When the shuttle came, it was difficult to place your luggage in the shuttle if you had large luggage or many pieces of luggage. Not very efficient and travelers have to wait until a shuttle came which could fit you and your luggage. An attendant accompanying a traveler in a wheelchair told us to enter by the back door and this switched the line around so that those of us who had been wishing a while entered last. It was terrible. As we were driven to the ground transportation lot, we saw people struggling with their luggage waking to the lot. I decided on a taxi as they were lined up at the stand. A co-worker told me that the taxi he took wanted to be paid in cash and he had to insist to pay by credit card so he could see the miles and charge. So maybe take a ride share for peace of mind. The traffic around this airport is wild. Cars almost at a standstill and large buses cutting you off. We were dropped off for our outbound flights at the appropriate terminals and I went through touchless TSA pre-check. The initial scan was fast and then the bottle neck at the luggage screening machine. The trays to put your carry on luggage and personal items system is terrible if not properly monitored by the TSA agent. My luggage was placed after a traveler who was behind me in line and I had to wait. This happened to other travelers as well. Another traveler told me that the traffic was actually better at the time we were there and that the luggage screening is always terrible. Got through the screening but travelers do not police their trays/bins and this prevents other luggage from coming down the conveyor belt. So frustrating. Myself and another traveler get the bins stacked so we could claim our bags. Walked down to our gates and decide to eat at Rolling Stone restaurant. Terrible food and service. Disappointing. The artwork is very good though. 2D moving art pieces and local exhibits of quilts and a model home. Very cool. The women's restroom by Gate 80 is dated and you have to push the main door open while handling your luggage. The seating at the gate is also limited so we sat at the next gate adjacent to Gate 80. So what's the verdict? I'm going to still avoid flying into LAX. The traffic is crazy and the food isn't that great.

Watching my 25year old Pilot FlyAway. Been patronizing the…read morePublic Observation area for 30 years. Have seen it undergo a significant and wonderful transformation. It is now perfect for families, children's play area, plane/pilot enthusiasts, have a lil picnic too. Great spot! Our son had to visit the observation area every day and this is the truth!

Very busy private airpot. Some friends from abroad came and arranged for the staff to give us this…read morebeluga caviar. Good service and an interesting array of historic aircraft.

Great small airport that is not busy and chaotic. I had been taking flight lessons here and…read moreeverything is neat and well-maintained.

With my FIL having a plane, we have now been to several small airports for one reason or the other…read more This time, it was to pick up and drop off the in-laws while we were spending some time together to visit with some of Kevin's other family. We timed our departure via car from our house with their departure from the Aurora, Oregon airport and made it within 20 minutes of each other (they beat us). We ended up picking them up at the flight school instead of closer to the plane because unlike some other airports no one directed them where to go. The folks at the flight school were very nice and let them stay in the airconditioned waiting area until we got there and then we drove them around to the actual small airport check-in area (which was closer to where the plane was parked and in the 100 degree heat would have been easier/better for my MIL to walk and wait in). Being the protective person I am, this irritated me a bit, but they are used to the lack of communication at these little airports. This airport is in a downtrodden area and is not as maintained as some of the municipal airports we have visited. Bathrooms are outside, but the plane was fine and the price of parking ($5 per day) for the plane couldn't be beat. Since I am no pilot, all I can go by is my FIL's experience and he has had a lot worse. I was glad Kevin was there so he could help pull the plane over to the gas pump and look forward to visiting another small airport again sometime in the future.

My favorite airport! Flying in and out of here is always a breeze. The whole place has such a…read morerelaxed, chill vibe, and I've never had issues with TSA or long security lines. There are plenty of great food and drink options, from quick grab-and-go spots to more upscale sit down restaurants. Lots of new restaurants coming soon as well. One of my favorite touches is the live music. There's usually a guitarist/singer performing in a designated area, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere. It's not random, it feels intentional and professional. The bathrooms are also super clean and thoughtfully designed, with red/green lights above each stall so you can easily see what's available without checking doors. They even have a public piano, and I've heard some incredibly talented travelers play while waiting for their flights.

I do like traveling from John Wayne Airport. More so now that I can get a direct flight from OC to…read moreSpokane Washington. The flight via Alaska Air is 2 hours and 19 minutes. Parking is easy here ( NO NEED TO PREBOOK PARKING FOR LONG STAY) simply park and pay when you return. Also TSA is fast even without TSA - Pre-Check service!

Santa Monica Airport CA Tue 2/11/25 On my way! Back to…read moreSillyValley! Sun is rolling into sunset! Going home tonight! © Yes, SMO Municipal airport is slated to close in 2028! It's been a source of controversy for decades! Capping decades of legal battles & protests! One of the oldest in USA! Airport land converts into Park! Meanwhile they shortened the runway to limit jet flights! By the way, this is where Harrison Ford crash landed onto Golf Course instead of a runway! This general aviation airport, naturally long favorite of celebrities & biz heads, had its share of public scrutiny just like many other non commercial airports in California. Like my San Carlos Airport SQL or Palo Alto Airport PAO. Historic significance lays in the fact that famous DC-3 & military aircraft was produced by Douglas Aircraft Co in Santa Monica at the airport before it had moved to Long Beach. Famous tenants like Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise & Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with others, average daily 250 takeoffs & landings, that's a lot of noise! Neighbors in Santa Monica didn't want harmful exhaust, emissions, fueling, lead & carbon, pollution, and noise! At the same time, its use during WWII for military purposes had federal agreements for FAA to allow operations. So various aviation interests contended with the City of Santa Monica over its ownership. They reached the agreement after endless litigation to return the control of the airport land to the city. And at the end of 2028 the city is free to do what they want with 227 acres of airport land! *The one who should care Does she or doesn't So let the beat roll on I'm 'bout to get in the zone I been locked up all by myself But I'm known to grow my own I burn it till it's gone Like there ain't nothing wrong I'm just out in the shade Watching the world go up in flames [ Review #828 w 3 pic Feb 15, 2025 ] Here, can't complain! @Santa Monica Airport CA Thur 2/6/25 Going home tonight! Salute Tuesday! 2/11/25 Spirit of Santa Monica! @Santa Monica Airport CA Tue 2/11/25

Was in the neighborhood and was curious about the flight schools at the Santa Monica airport…read more Walked in and I felt immediately welcomed. Met with Oliver and Jorge and they gave me all of the information I needed to begin my journey into aviation. Prices are very reasonable and the school is going through lots of positive changes. I was also impressed with how many of the staff members are bilingual. 非常好 Great fleet of airplanes to learn from: Cirrus, Cessna, and SportCruisers. I am now looking forward to my introductory flight with the school and will definitely be considering getting my Private Pilot License with them! 谢谢SMF 加油 Muy Bien Adios

My first time here, RRR's second. It's amazing to come to the cafe area, walk out front and…read morejust sit at one of the seating areas and watch airplanes come and go on a beautiful California day. Today they have a traveling exhibit of WWII planes, a Flying Tiger, B26 and a few others. So cool to see these. The cafe menu looks pretty good, we'll try this another day.

Important Ventura County resource for small planes, plus law and fire enforcement, and commercial…read moreenterprises. The Commemorative Air Force Museum is also here, preserving planes from our military's history. We visited yesterday after finishing up Ventura County Farm Day, enjoying lunch outdoors at Waypoint Cafe. The view out to the runways with many planes nearby was super. After our meal, we strolled around the miniature version of the airport which is an attraction for kids, plus anyone who appreciates aviation lore. We've both been able to go behind the scenes at the Ventura County Fire Department's hangar in years past during the Firefighters Quest Rally in the spring. Seeing the air rescue equipment up close is always special. For all the times I've been to the airport, I've never attended the air show, but I understand it's very popular. One day. . .

Small but ample airport…read more Boarding and off boarding is efficient. Nice weather most of the time. Restaurants are good and expensive. Yet quick meal is ok. Often there are delays. But nice area to sit at for the wait. My favorite airport to transit this far. Not too large that it's overwhelming or too much to walk.

Note that car rental counters have moved into the historic terminal building as of December 2025…read more Check out the stately, historic Art Moderne facility even if you're not renting a car. They've restored the tile artwork inset into the floors and did a great job. It's so peaceful now that it's hard to picture this having hosted those very busy, jam-packed airline check-in counters back in the day. LGB just keeps getting better and better. I love this airport!

One of the busiest airports in the world. LAX is the home of a massive portfolio of airlines -…read moreincluding the major and smaller airline competitors. The location boasts 7 different terminals, each being huge! They are doing major renovation and construction here, so be sure to time your arrival / departure correctly.

I like this airport because of the area it's in. It's always on and poppin all night long. The…read moreBurbank airport used to be like that many years ago, but then they got gay in a bad way. They do not have the best selection of shops; although, it has gotten better over the years- still no competition over Oakland International Airport nor SFO, but it is all lit up all night and turnt up. I like that. I always take flights at the very last minute possible and I hate planning if someone else does the planning so, I'll sabotage you if you try to make me be somewhere at a certain time. I always end up taking the last possible flight. Even if my whole family or friends are on the same flight, but different than me. I've been known to switch airlines at the airport. So, depending on how long until my flight, I shop, so I prefer a long wait time. I am not sabotagable (I am able to make up words, yes) because I mastered the art of not giving a PHUCK when I was in my crib. When you land in Minnesota or Atlanta or anywhere late, it's dark and no one is around. The lights are off even if people continue to fly in and out. That sucks because it ruins the fun mood and when the fun times end, so does my being present.

This is a small airport in El monte. It used to called the San Gabriel Valley Airport. The…read moreairport is for private planes , in case you don't know. Those little planes cost as much or more than a super car like Ferrari or Lamboghani. The airport is not crowded, and anyone can go there to watch the plane takeoff. Idea is come here during weekend when the's more flight going it on. They got a large and free parking lot. Also there's a restaurant in the Airport. This is a hidden gem in El Monte, not many city in 626 or SGV has airport of its own.

This little airport is wonderful. Convenient, user-friendly, and has a tasty diner! Parking is not…read morea hassle and the people are awesome. For a great day in the air, use the 605 as your landmark and fly out to the Queen Mary. Excellent views of the SGV and South Bay. Finish off your day at Annia's and watch people stick their landings!