At Alaska Airlines LAX Terminal is based in Terminal 6 and provides a family-friendly experience with features like stroller rentals, family restrooms, and self-check-in kiosks. Travelers with small children can take advantage of early boarding and play areas close by to keep them occupied. Families who qualify can unwind in the Alaska Lounge, while dining options are suitable for all ages. Make sure you get there early so you can get through security and use the family services. Alaska Airlines facilitates smoother and more pleasurable travel with kids by providing kid-friendly snacks, in-flight entertainment, and careful consideration for family needs.
Family-Friendly Amenities at Terminal 6
Traveling with young children can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially at a busy airport like LAX. Fortunately, Alaska Airlines and the airport itself provide several services designed to make family travel easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the family-friendly features that you can expect at Terminal 6:
Check-In and Security
When traveling with children, getting through check-in and security can take longer than expected. Fortunately, Alaska Airlines has streamlined this process to ensure smoother travel for families. At the check-in counters, families can expect a helpful and friendly staff, often offering assistance for those traveling with young children or special needs. While you’re there, you can also inquire about early boarding for families, which is available for passengers traveling with children under two years old.
Additionally, the airport’s security process can be stressful, but LAX offers family-friendly security lanes where parents and children can move through the checkpoint more efficiently. If your child has a stroller, you’ll be able to easily fold it up and bring it through security. It’s always a good idea to arrive early so you can avoid rushing through these processes, allowing you and your family to stay relaxed.
Stroller Rentals and Family Restrooms
LAX understands that traveling with children often means dealing with strollers, diaper bags, and other baby gear. To alleviate the burden, stroller rentals are available at the airport. This allows parents to avoid carrying their own strollers through the airport, making it easier to move around. You can pick up a stroller near the terminal or at the main airport rental desks.
In addition to stroller rentals, LAX provides family restrooms throughout the terminals, including Terminal 6. These restrooms are spacious and equipped with changing tables, making it easier to care for your little ones during your layover or before your flight. These family restrooms provide a more private and comfortable space compared to standard public restrooms, ensuring that parents have a convenient area for diaper changes and tending to their children’s needs.
Play Areas
One of the challenges of traveling with kids is keeping them entertained during long waits. While LAX doesn’t have large play areas in every terminal, Terminal 6 is near other terminals that feature play zones. For example, Terminal 2, which is a short walk away, offers a small play area where children can stretch their legs and burn off some energy before boarding the flight. These play areas are equipped with interactive elements, providing a safe and enjoyable space for young children to play.
You may also find that many restaurants and seating areas in Terminal 6 have enough space for children to move around and be comfortable while parents prepare for the flight.
Dining and Shopping Options
Food options in Terminal 6 are diverse and family-friendly. Many of the airport’s dining options cater to children, offering small portion sizes or specialized kids’ meals that are more palatable for younger travelers. Restaurants include fast-casual spots for quick bites and sit-down eateries for families who prefer to relax and enjoy a meal before the flight.
Some of the notable dining options include The Habit Burger Grill, which offers a variety of kid-friendly meals like cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes, and Trattoria, an Italian-style café that serves pizza and pasta, both of which are popular with children. Additionally, there are snack bars and grab-and-go options for families on the move.
When it comes to shopping, Terminal 6 offers a range of retail stores, including souvenir shops and duty-free stores for international travelers. Many of the stores have products aimed at families, such as toys, travel accessories, and entertainment for children during the flight.
Alaska Airlines Lounge
For those eligible for access, the Alaska Lounge in Terminal 6 is a great place to relax before your flight. While the lounge primarily caters to frequent flyers and certain credit card holders, families can enjoy its comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and beverages. The lounge offers a quieter environment compared to the bustling gates, which can be especially beneficial for families with young children who may need a calm place to relax.
Although the Alaska Lounge is a great option for families traveling with older children, it may not be the best fit for families with very young children or infants. The lounge can be a quieter and more relaxed space for families to rest, especially before longer flights.
Traveling with Kids on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines strives to make air travel as comfortable as possible for families with children. Some services available on the flight include:
In-Flight Entertainment
While long flights can be tough for children, Alaska Airlines provides in-flight entertainment to keep them occupied. The airline offers a selection of family-friendly movies and TV shows on their in-flight entertainment system. Families can also bring their own entertainment, such as tablets or books, to make the flight more enjoyable for children.
Meals and Snacks
Alaska Airlines provides kid-friendly meals and snacks, including options for children with dietary restrictions. Snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers are commonly available on shorter flights, while longer flights may offer a more substantial meal option, depending on the time of day. Don’t forget to ask about their specific children’s meal options when booking the flight, so you can ensure that your child gets something they’ll enjoy.
Parenting Essentials
If you’re traveling with a baby, Alaska Airlines allows you to bring a diaper bag in addition to your carry-on luggage. You can also bring formula, baby food, and breast milk on board, as long as it meets security guidelines. You’ll find that Alaska Airlines staff are generally very accommodating and supportive of parents traveling with infants and toddlers.
Pro Tips for Traveling with Family at LAX
Traveling with children requires a bit more planning, but with these tips, you can make your experience at LAX smoother and less stressful:
- Arrive Early: LAX is a large and busy airport, so it’s always a good idea to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight, especially if you have young children. This gives you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and attend to any unexpected issues.
- Pack Snacks and Entertainment: While there are food options available at the airport, bringing your own snacks and entertainment (books, tablets, toys) can save you time and keep kids occupied.
- Stay Calm: Airports can be overwhelming, especially with young children. Plan ahead, stay patient, and remember that every moment of your journey is part of the experience.
Conclusion
Traveling through Terminal 6 at LAX with your family can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience, especially when you take advantage of the family-friendly amenities and services available. From the convenience of stroller rentals to the comfort of family restrooms and the excitement of play areas, LAX is well-equipped to cater to families. When you add the excellent in-flight services provided by Alaska Airlines, your trip is sure to be a memorable one for all the right reasons.
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