Guess What? It's Going to Be Crowded at LAX!

Are you getting the hell out of Dodge--excuse me, the home of the Dodgers--today?

It should come as absolutely no shock that close to two million holiday travelers are anticipated to traffic the terminals of LAX between now and the day after New Year's, according to MSNBC. The people will be split between Angelenos headed out of town and those who are potentially forgoing a white Christmas to spend their holidays in the Southland.

Flights are going to be on the whole full (what's new these days, huh?) and, MSNBC is also noting: "Airport officials recommend passengers arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international travel, particularly during peak hours of 6 to 9 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. With winter storms affecting some portions of the country, travelers are also urged to contact their airlines to check flight times." Translation: Don't be the jerk who thinks it's "totally cool" to show up a half hour ahead and then bitch and moan your way through all the security checkpoints because you're going to miss your flight. If you've ever watched that show Airline on A&E about life behind the counters of Southwest, you'll know that no one is charmed by the vocal shenanigans of an irate flyer.

TSA Spokeswoman Sterling Payne has suggested gifts remain unwrapped until you pass through security (of course, don't expect to wrap them at the gate--your scissors won't make it past the screeners, obvs, and you might be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn't mind lending their index finger for that crucial ribbon-tying moment). Don't forget you've got to go mini (3 oz or less) on all your carry on liquids, and put them in a one-quart plastic bag). Oh, and a parting witticism from the TSA that we actually agree with: "to the list of practical items [...] do not forget to pack your patience."

Travel safe!

Photo by TolkaRover via Flickr