We're headed for London from Utah and the best airfare we could get was on my daughter's 16th birthday. She'll spend her entire big day at airports and on planes arriving in London the next day at 11:30 am. Although she's excited about going to London for her B-day (never been), it's a little disappointing to be traveling all day. Can anyone suggest something exciting and festive we might be able to do at LAX while waiting to board our transatlatic flight. There are three of us and we'll be in the LA airport from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm when our plane departs. Thanks for your help ;-)

What about a day room at the Marriott?

Thanks for the suggestion but as we arrive at LAX at 11 am, we need to get our luggage and then check in for the transatlantic flight 3 hours prior to departure so we really only have 2-3 hours to really relax ( I don't think we can book the luggage straight through). I'm thinking maybe there's a nice restaurant at the airport or maybe something like a singing telegram or something else???? Any more suggestions?

You might have enough time to leave the airport for lunch although it would be a quick trip. You'd probably only have 1 1/2 hours so not sure if that's worth it since you'd need to be back in plenty of time to check in for your international flight.

I am sure others will have an opinion on this. If you did decide to leave, a taxi could take you to the Manhattan Beach area in about 15 minutes. They have lots of nice restaurants in the area.

It would probably be wise, though, to stay at the airport. You could have lunch at the Encounter Restaurant. The description below is from their website because they do a better job of describing it than I do.

"It's the most recogizable landmark at LAX and one of the most famous edifices in Los Angeles as a whole. I'm of course talking about the venerable Theme Building -- the 70-foot high monster that looms like a giant futuristic insect over the frantic proceedings at the nation's third busiest airport. With its unique parabolic arches and multiple lighting changes, the Theme Building has been a fixture since 1961 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

For many years, the structure housed a coffee shop that would provide a quick meal and/or cup of Joe for travelers. Just a few years ago, Walt Disney Imagineering utterly revamped the interior, converting it into a Jetson-esque restaurant and bar, complete with retro-style multi-colored patterns on the carpeting, blue and red lava lights, opalescent surfaces and moon-cratered walls. You might hear sci-fi or even "Trekkie" music in the space age elevator that totes you up to the top of the building."

Their menu looks nice but maybe other posters can let you know if the food is any good. www.encounterlax.com

What a great trip to go to London with your daughter. I know you all will have a great time.

The Encounter is quite good.

Does it require reservations? And is April too cold to go to the beach?

After you get onboard the aircraft go tell the Head Flight Attendant it is your daughter's 16th. Sometimes (depending on the airline) they will announce it and passengers will sing Happy Birthday. Of course, don't do this if you think she would get embarrassed (with teens you never know). Unfortunately, she is underage, so no champagne If you ask nicely perhaps the flight attendants will give her a dessert from first class. I had that happen to me on British Airways

I rather doubt if you could find a b-day cake at LAX but if there is an actual sit down restuarant in your terminal (so much is just fast food these days) you might order a festive dessert and "celebrate". Other then that, there is the Encounter restuarant. I think you would have enough time for that, but I would not actually leave LAX if I were you, why risk missing you flight.

The beach in April could be warm and beautiful or chilly. You just never know.

I suppose it depends what day of the week you are traveling but I would make a reservation at Encounter to insure you have a table.

We ate at Encounter last July while waiting for my mom's flight to LHR. She had to check in with BA four hours ahead, so after she checked in we walked over to Encounter. It's walkable from any of the terminals and in between flights you amy enjoy a stroll (unless it's raining!).

Inside, it's a bit worn, and I wish they would renovate, but the food was surprisingly good. Maybe when you call to make a reservation (probably not necessary, but it's better to be safe than sorry) you could mention your daughter's birthday and ask if they could provide a cake.

If time allows, Manhattan Beach is very nice. My faves in Manhattan Beach are the Kettle and Mama D's. The are both just off the street that leads downhill to the pier.

If you stay at LAX, then Encounter is quite good. That building always reminded me of the house on "The Jetsons."

You can also hop in a taxi and head down to the pier at Manhattan Beach (around 20 min. from most terminals) and have a snack either on the pier or in one of the many cafes or restaurants at the foot of the pier. Walk along the Strand (bike/pedestrian pavement) along the edge of the beach, watch the surfers, and load up on O2 before spending all that quality time in the air. Highly recommended, beats the stuffings out of airport cafes, no matter how retro.

Our luggage has always been checked through on our outgoing flights, even though we layover for several hours in a gateway city. It's coming back that you have to pick it up, go through customs, then re-check it for your return flight to Utah.

LOL, OO. They're starting in Utah, I don't think they'll have to go through customs in LA!

I know Barbara, , but she thought she'd have to recheck them in LA for her flight to London (see her 12:31 post). She won't, so will have more time for the birthday bash--whatever that might be in an airport.

Thanks for all your suggestions. If the weather's good and we can check our luggage all the way through, I think we'll try for Manhattan Beach. Otherwise, it looks like the Encounter is a possibility. Are there any restaurants NEAR LAX that are worth considering? Thanks

If you go to Manhattan Beach, Mama D's is a nice casual, reasonably priced Italian restaurant. We always make a stop there when we are in the area. From there it is an easy walk to the beach and pier.

I wonder if there's some manager at the airport you could call ahead of time to see if there's some special behind the scenes or VIP place they could take you to.