We have a 5 hour layover on our return flight from Hawaii (arrive 9 p.m. and don't leave until 1:45 AM). Does anyone have any suggestions? We have passes to Continental's President Club lounge but am also flying FC on Delta so have the Crown Room there as an option too. Are they roomy? Have couches as opposed to chairs??, etc. Other than the FF Lounge/Club thing, we're wondering if there is anything else possible to do either AT the airport of by taking a taxi for a fast excursion (nearby restaurant, attractions, etc.). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 5 hours just to sit in an airport seems like torture.

There are a few things that come to mind:

If you want to keep it simple you could go to the restaurant (The theme room) I believe it is called in the middle of the LAX terminals but outside. It looks like something space age out of the Jetsons. There's a neat bar and the food is supposed to be good. Also a great place to just watch the runway activity.

Another option would be to grab a cab and head to Marina del Rey. There are several restaurants with beautiful views of the marina. Also, Manhattan beach or Hermosa Beach is an option. Lots of restaurants/clubs and the cab fare would be 10-15 one way. If you're interested in this option I can get you some specific recommendations - just let me know what type of atmosphere and food you prefer.

The restaurant at LAX is called Encounter. It's very nice up there.

I agreee with the above. The Encounter is a very fun, star-trekkie kind of place. Kind of a Austin Powers meets Captain Kirk. I have been there and actually their food was quite good. I always am pretty cautious when it comes to running around during a layover, so with the LA traffic, yes even at the time of night you are arriving, I couldn't recommend anywhere close to zip over to... I'd rather have a relaxing delicious dinner with a good wine choice at Encounter while reminiscing about the enchantment of Hawaii you have just experienced. I could kill a couple hours doing that very easily. Aloha!

I also will be connectin at LAX from Hawaii, however my layover is 2.5 hrs. I'll be arriving in terminal 4 but wanted to grab something to eat at a restaurant in terminal 7. Can i walk between terminals or is their a shuttle/tram. Also, how long will it take. I was also thinking about stopping at Encounter instead. Would 2.5 hours give me enough time to do this? I know that LAX is a huge airport.

You can walk from terminal 4 to terminal 7 but it's a long walk. Better to take the shuttle. Look for the A Airline Connections shuttle on the lower level under the LAX Shuttle sign. They come by fairly frequently. What restaurant is in terminal 7? You can also walk over to Encounter (in the middle between the terminals). 2.5 hours may be pushing it if you have to go back through security, etc. What terminal are you flying out of?

Another vote for the Encounter. It definately is a land mark and the food is good. It reminds me of our last trip to Hawaii.

Patty,

Thanks for your help. I was thinking of maybe going to Wolfgang Puck in Terminal 7, but I think that Encounter seems interesting. Can I walk to Encounter or do I have to take a shuttle?

Thanks.

Patty,

Oops, just re-read your post and see that you answered my question about walking to Encounter. I think that I will do that instead. Thanks again.

Abi,

Go to this site http://www.lawa.org/lax/ and click on LAX terminal map. It'll give you an idea of where Encounter is located in relation to terminal 4. It's not labeled on the map but it's the round thing in the middle between the parking structures (directly in front of terminal 6). There's no shuttle that I'm aware of that goes there.

So, how long will The Encounter entertain me? I'm possibly looking at an 8 hour layover at LAX...

What do I do for the rest of the hours?

Thanks, Patty.

I have a 6 hour layover in LAX coming in on Alaska and then flying out on American to London. I am planning on meeting relatives for dinner. How long should I allow to get through security before my flight? I don't want to check in too early and just sit there alone!

Thanks,

Per Encounter's website they are only open from 11am to 9pm, so I don't think you'd be able to go there.

Personally, I would just hang at one of the lounges to pass the time.