Travelling from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
- Planning your holiday begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Melbourne. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the city's main base, so explore your options for booking a flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) departing from here.
- Around 14 hours 25 minutes is the usual time it takes for a direct Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
- Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. The city is in the UTC-8 timezone and is 19 hours behind Melbourne.
- The busiest route is from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with 14 direct services every week. If you're not one for hanging around, the earliest flight from MEL to LAX is the 9:30am United Airlines option. If a later flight fits your day better, the final departure is at 12pm with Qantas.
- Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are tried-and-true travel tips. Get to the airport on time to catch your flight from Melbourne to LAX.
- Travelling over a peak time like July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
- Get to your destination in one go from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Direct flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are available from here.
- Top carriers that operate direct flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport leaving from MEL include:
- Qantas is the most frequently booked airline offering flights from MEL to LAX.
- Among carriers on this route, Delta leads the way for on-time arrivals.
- Consider adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Melbourne to LAX. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
- Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
- Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Nadi International Airport (NAN)
- Located around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 35 minutes.
- Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
- When it comes to the on-time performance of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, data shows 63% of flights complete their journey on time.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
- Squeeze in an extra adventure with a stopover on your flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is a great option between Avalon Airport and LAX.
- You can get to AVV from central Melbourne in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to cover the 56 kilometres or so.
- Unwind before your Melbourne to LAX flight at a hotel near Avalon Airport. Corio Bay Motel is one option where you can jump out of bed and get to the airport with time to spare.
- 76% of all departures from Avalon Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?
Most airlines operating flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances can vary depending on the airline and ticket type you choose. Here's what to expect with baggage policies on this route:
- Qantas
- Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag up to 56x36x23cm plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 1
- Arrival terminal: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal B
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 1 hour before departure
- Delta Air Lines
- Carry-on allowance: 10kg cabin bag (56x35x23cm) plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 2
- Arrival terminal: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal 2
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
- United Airlines
- Carry-on allowance: One carry-on bag 56x35x23cm plus personal item
- Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
- Departure terminal: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL), Terminal 2
- Arrival terminal: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Terminal 7
- Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and prayer rooms at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). The airport also provides baggage storage facilities, medical services, and numerous shops and restaurants across its terminals. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) offers convenient transport connections with shuttle buses and taxi services to help you reach the city centre.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Consider staying in a hotel close to LAX if you're catching a late flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
- Sonesta Select Los Angeles LAX El Segundo
- LAX Stadium Inn - El Segundo/Inglewood
- Los Angeles Adventurer All Suite Hotel at LAX
- Booking your vehicle around one week in advance of your Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport flight can help you get a cheaper deal.
- The street address for LAX is One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
- Los Angeles International Airport is around 29 kilometres from central Los Angeles. It takes around 35 minutes or so to drive to the city.
- It takes roughly 1 hour when travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- ₹ 45,622 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport. Return flights start from ₹ 75,700. These fares may change based on demand.
- Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Melbourne to LAX if you book early. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates.
- The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport tickets across the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
- Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Melbourne to LAX by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when prices go down.
- Find an affordable flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport by using the search filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- July is the busiest month for flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Plan your visit to Los Angeles in December if you'd rather avoid peak season.
- The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16°C and 32°C. Book your Melbourne to LAX plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
- February has temperatures of between 6°C and 26°C. Look for cheap tickets from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Los Angeles delivers year-round sunshine with warm, dry summers and mild winters that make it perfect for any season. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
- December – February: Winter brings mild, sunny days that make this one of the best times to explore Los Angeles. You'll enjoy warm afternoons and cooler evenings, so pack light layers for effortless comfort.
- March – May: Spring brings mild, sunny days perfect for outdoor exploration. Temperatures stay warm without summer's intensity, and you'll find clear skies most days. Keep a light layer handy for cooler evenings.
- June – September: Los Angeles enjoys its dry summer season with warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings. You'll want light clothing and layers for cooler nights. The consistently clear skies make this ideal for outdoor attractions, beach visits, hiking, and exploring the city's neighbourhoods on foot.
- October – November: Autumn brings warm, sunny days perfect for exploring outdoor attractions and sightseeing around the city. You'll find ideal conditions for walking tours and enjoying nature spots throughout these months.
More about Los Angeles
- When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Los Angeles right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles International Airport:
- All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are must-do's during your Los Angeles adventure.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
- Things to do in Los Angeles: Stroll along Santa Monica Pier, about 24 kilometres west of downtown, where you can walk the boardwalk and watch street performers by the Pacific Ocean. Head to Griffith Observatory, roughly 8 kilometres northwest, for panoramic city views and hiking trails through Griffith Park. Browse the Original Farmers Market, just 10 kilometres west of the centre, where local vendors sell fresh produce and prepared foods in an open-air setting.
- Cultural experiences: Browse contemporary art at The Broad museum in downtown LA, about 2 kilometres southeast of the city centre, or catch a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall just nearby. Head to Little Tokyo, roughly 3 kilometres east, to sample authentic ramen and participate in traditional tea ceremonies at cultural centres throughout the district.
- Seasonal highlights: Experience the glamour of awards season with celebrity sightings at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards from January to March. Summer brings outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and beach festivals along the coast from June to August. The mild winter months offer the best time to visit Los Angeles for comfortable sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions without the intense summer heat.
Explore more of the United States
- Los Angeles has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of the United States you should also see. About 177 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles, a trip to San Diego will keep your itinerary packed. Check out popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
- Bakersfield is another essential stop in the United States and is around 161 kilometres north of Los Angeles. No trip is complete without visiting Kern County Museum, Rabobank Arena, Theatre & Convention Centre and Bakersfield Museum of Art.
