LAX refers to the abbreviation of the Los Angeles International Airport. You might wonder why there is an X in the abbreviation when there’s no related term. What does the X stand for LAX?
This might sound annoying, but the X in LAX merely interprets something important. Then, why is it even here? In this guide, let’s find out what X has to do in LAX.
A Quick Overview of Los Angeles International Airport
The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the coolest airports worldwide. What does LAX stand for? You already know that LAX is an abbreviation of this airport. On the other hand, you might be amused that LAX handles more than 67 million passengers per year on average.
In addition, Los Angeles International Airport received the second highest position for handling such huge annual traffic. What’s so interesting about Los Angeles International Airport, by the way?
Los Angeles is admired for its arts and culture. So, you can also witness a wide variety of art at its airport. Things take an interesting turn when you notice different forms of art sprawled throughout the halls and rotating on ceilings. The Bell Tower and Ball-Nougues Air Garden by Mark Brandford are prime attractions for tourists in this airport.
Are you tense before every flight? You can destress and entertain yourself with LAX’s exclusive Pets Unstressing Passengers or PUP program. Puppies can scientifically lower your stress levels if you just pet them or spend time with them. So, you can join this therapy program if you ever feel anxious at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Besides this, you can check out the GRAMMY Museum exhibit at this airport. The museum showcases 5 authentic Grammy Awards till the end of 2019. If you are interested in the entertainment world, you can go to the museum and learn about the Grammy Awards in detail.
Apart from these, you can find aesthetic cafes, restaurants, and more to fuel up and relax in between your layovers in LAX.
What Does The X in LAX Stand for?
The letter X has no universal meaning in the Los Angeles International Airport abbreviation. Then, why is there an X in LAX? Well, most airports are abbreviated using a 3-letter code since Los Angeles International Airport is in Los Angeles, so the airport’s abbreviation gets an L and an A.
On the other hand, the X is just a placeholder to make the abbreviation a 3-letter code, just like most airports. However, this code system has evolved, and the aviation industry uses codes and words specifically to refer to different airports more exclusively.
Airports were accustomed to using 2-letter codes as identifiers back in the 1930s. However, they now use 3-letter IATA codes for more clarity. Earlier, airports had to rely on weather conditions to offer reports. In addition, they used to broadcast those reports via coded messages.
What does the X letter stand for in LAX? Previously, the aviation authority assigned only 2 letters to the Los Angeles International Airport. The IATA, or the International Air Transport Association, added X to the existing airport code to complete the A-C-E code system.
On a related note, the mention of ‘International’ in the Los Angeles International Airport identifies that this airport indulges in international travel. So, passengers can afford international flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport or LAX.
Therefore, the X in LAX doesn’t act as an identifier for International Airport. It’s just a filler. On the other hand, you can use LAX or lax to refer to the Los Angeles International Airport. In addition, the Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbour’s Department of Transportation uses the abbreviation LBX.
Original Name of Los Angeles International Airport
Mines Field was the original name of the Los Angeles International Airport or LAX. However, the military acquired control of the airport and its operation in 1941. Next, Donal Douglas and Colonel Hugh M. Kendall named the LAX Airport Douglas Airport.
After that, the City of Los Angeles purchased all private interests 3 years later. Then, the airport expanded, gaining 6 runways, passenger terminals, 2 parking structures, and an aviation complex by the end of 1958.
Other Implications of LAX
What does the X in LAX stand for? The guide has cleared that the X has nothing to do with any universal code. Instead, it’s a filler to make the airport abbreviation an exact 3-letter IATA code.
Apart from that, LAX also refers to the phrase: Negligently Easy or Careless. The Latin word ‘laxus’ interprets slack, open, or loose. Some claim that LAX stands for Lacrosse as well. However, the majority of people use LAX to identify the Los Angeles International Airport when it comes to the aviation industry.
