Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Traveling Via LAX? Here's What You Need To Know
Travelers wait in line to check in for an international flight at LAX.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
LAX is in the middle of its busiest travel period this year as cases of the fast-spreading omicron variant continue to swell.
If you're flying out of town this holiday season, we have important tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
High-Quality Masks Help Defend Against Omicron
Dr. Kimberly Shriner at Pasadena's Huntington Hospital suggests you pack a high-quality mask and wear it at the airport. While any mask is better than no mask, she says cloth masks won’t provide you with as much protection against the omicron variant as others.
Support for LAist comes from
“Get a three ply surgical mask and or a KN95, especially the latter if you're going to be doing some kind of high risk behavior like traveling,” she said.
That's because airports — despite being crowded indoor spaces — might not be where people are at the highest risk.
“Not so much when you're on the aircraft. Because their filtrations are quite good, but certainly when you're passing through the airport there are lots and lots of people mixing with lots of unknown people,” she said. “So that's where probably a lot of transmission occurs.”
The airport says up to 3.5 million travelers are expected to pass through for Christmas and New Year's — which means the omicron variant will also have travel plans this holiday.
To better lower the risk, the doctor recommends getting tested when you arrive.
Especially if you're visiting a vulnerable relative or friend, it'd be prudent to be tested. It's someone who is very high-risk then you still want to wear a mask — a high-quality one — to prevent transmission.
— Dr. Kimberly Shriner
Walk-Up Vaccinations Will Be Available At The Airport
Support for LAist comes from
This Wednesday and the following on Dec. 29, free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters will be available for travelers going through LAX.
The vaccine pop-ups run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can choose from the three vaccine makers at the lower-arrivals level of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
LAX spokesperson Heath Montgomery says vaccines will be available to all, even if you're not traveling out of the international terminal.
“Maybe if you just happen to be flying or you have some extra time,” Montgomery said. “And you know that this is going to be available on a walk-up basis. It's a very convenient way to get that booster shot done before you head out for the holidays.”
Montgomery says people can make appointments to purchase rapid PCR tests and get results within an hour. Walk-up testing is also available, but you may have to wait a little longer to get your results.
For more information about testing and vaccinations, visit FlyLAX.
Support for LAist comes from
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist