Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
According to Airports Council International, LAX was the 6th busiest airport in the world in 2008, serving over 59 passengers from Southern California. It leads to beaches like Santa Monica, nature preserves in the Mojave Desert and skiing areas like Big Bear. Unfortunately, it frequently lands as the worst in the United States, most recently in Dwell Magazine, as linked under Resources.
They called it "a collection of drab terminals connected by a traffic jam" with terminals that are "painfully overcrowded." Be grateful if you have a backpack, because it may be the only seat you find especially at the international terminal. Shopping is generally restricted to the occasional souvenir shop selling California products.
Los Angeles International Airport
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA. 90045
(310) 646-5252
www.lawa.org/welcomelax.aspx
San Francisco International (SFO)
According to Reuters, in 2008, SFO was voted best airport in North America by passengers for customer service and amenities. The facility serves Northern California including national parks like Yosemite and Lassen, or recreation areas like Lake Tahoe.
The airport is also renowned for its commitment to green technology. Highlights from a 2008 Sustainability Report, which is linked under Resources, include subsidies that have prevented 30% of its employees from commuting alone, a recycling rate of 50% for its municipal waste and 90% for construction waste, and 50,000 sq. ft. of solar panels that generate 582 megawatt hours of electricity per year.
San Francisco International Airport
San Bruno Avenue East
San Francisco, CA. 94128
(800) 435-9736
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
SAN is the gateway to the rugged terrain, sleepy fishing villages and pristine beaches of Baja California. Located about two miles from downtown and with well-designed traffic flows, the airport is an exercise in speed and efficiency. The two terminals plus a commuter terminal are generally not crowded, but the airport only serves 25 airlines as of September, 2009. See the link in Resources. Though the airport is well designed for cars, public transportation is available only through Flyer No. 992, which arrives every 10 minutes to connect with the San Diego Trolley, Amtrak and the local commuter train.
San Diego International
3665 N Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA. 92101
(619) 400-2400
http://www.san.org/airport/splash.asp
