Quick Summary:
- For arrivals, collect checked bags before leaving the terminal area.
- International passengers clear immigration first, then reclaim luggage before customs exit.
- Only then take the shuttle or transport to off-airport rental facilities.
- Carry booking details, licence, and payment card to the rental desk.
If you are flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and planning car hire, the short answer is yes, you usually need to collect your bags before you go anywhere near the rental car desks. That is because LAX rental counters are not in the baggage reclaim halls, and most car hire pick-ups operate from off-airport facilities reached after you exit the terminal. Whether you land on a domestic or international flight, you should assume your first priority is to follow the signs for baggage claim, collect any checked luggage, then head outside to the correct transport option for your rental company.
What confuses many travellers is that the term “rental car desks at LAX” can mean several things. Some people mean the on-airport shuttle pick-up points, others mean the off-site rental counters, and some are thinking of the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility (often referenced as a future or phased change). The practical arrival sequence remains the same for most travellers today: exit aircraft, make your way through the terminal, pick up checked bags, then leave the terminal to reach the rental operation.
Why you should collect bags first at LAX
LAX terminals are designed so that passengers with checked luggage flow naturally towards baggage claim on arrivals level. Rental cars, on the other hand, are accessed after you leave the secure area and typically after you leave the terminal building. If you skip baggage reclaim and head outside, you may end up having to return, sometimes via long corridors or lifts, which wastes time and can be stressful in a busy airport like Los Angeles.
There is also a more important reason for international arrivals: US entry procedures. If you are arriving from abroad, you cannot legally exit to public areas, or proceed to any transport, until you have cleared immigration and customs. Customs for most passengers is completed after you pick up your bags, because your luggage may be inspected or need to pass through an agricultural or security check before you exit.
Once you understand this, planning your car hire becomes straightforward. Your checked bags come with you to the rental facility, and you will load them into the vehicle there. If you are travelling with a family, multiple suitcases, or bulky items, it helps to know this in advance so you choose the right vehicle type and avoid last-minute upgrades at the counter.
Domestic arrivals: step-by-step from gate to car hire
If you are arriving on a domestic flight into Los Angeles, you will not pass immigration or customs. The typical sequence looks like this.
1) Walk from the gate to Arrivals and Baggage Claim. Follow the signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation”. Even if you only have hand luggage, it is worth checking the baggage reclaim screens if you are travelling with others on the same booking who may have checked a bag.
2) Collect checked luggage. Carousels at LAX can be busy, and bags can take time, especially at peak hours. Make sure your name and contact details are on your luggage, and keep your baggage receipt (or app tag) handy in case you need to report a missing bag.
3) Head to the correct ground transportation point. After you have your bags, go outside to the designated shuttle pick-up area for rental cars. LAX has clearly labelled signs, but the pick-up points can vary by terminal, so read the overhead and kerbside signage carefully.
4) Arrive at the rental facility and complete paperwork. At the counter you will present your driving licence, payment card, and booking details. If you are comparing options for car hire at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), check what is included in your rate so you understand deposits, fuel policy, and insurance before you travel.
5) Inspect the vehicle and load your bags. Before leaving, take a moment to look for any existing damage, confirm the fuel level, and locate key items such as lights, wipers, and hazard button. This is especially helpful if you are heading straight onto Los Angeles freeways after pick-up.
International arrivals: when immigration, baggage, and customs happen
If you are arriving internationally at LAX, you must complete several steps in a specific order, and collecting checked bags is an essential part of the process.
1) Immigration first. After you leave the aircraft, you will be directed to passport control. You may use a staffed desk, an automated kiosk, or a mobile passport option depending on your nationality and eligibility. Have your passport ready and be prepared to confirm the address where you will stay in Los Angeles.
2) Collect your checked bags. After immigration you proceed to baggage reclaim. Even if your bags were tagged through, you still collect them at your first US entry point. If your trip involves a connecting flight, you normally re-check bags after customs, but you still have to pick them up first.
3) Customs and exit. You then go through customs. Most travellers simply hand in a form or confirm declarations and walk through, but random checks happen, and agricultural restrictions are taken seriously. Only after this step can you exit into the public area and head to ground transportation.
4) Reach the rental facility. With your bags in hand, follow signs to rental shuttles or the relevant transport zone. If you have pre-arranged car rental in California via LAX, keep your confirmation accessible because you may want to check the supplier’s exact instructions for after-hours pick-up or fast-track counters.
5) Allow extra time. International arrivals can be slower than people expect. Immigration queues, baggage delivery, and customs can easily add an hour or more. If you are picking up a car late in the evening, verify the location’s operating hours and what happens if your flight is delayed.
What if you only have hand luggage?
If you are travelling carry-on only, you can skip the baggage carousel, but you still should not head to rental transport until you are fully out in the arrivals area and ready to leave the terminal. For international passengers, you still must clear immigration and customs even without checked luggage. For domestic passengers, your fastest path is simply to follow “Ground Transportation” signs once you reach Arrivals level.
Carry-on only can make car hire much quicker at LAX, but the major time variable becomes the shuttle wait and the queue at the rental counter. Consider having your documents organised before you reach the desk so you are not searching through bags in a busy lobby.
How to get from the terminals to rental car desks
At LAX, rental desks are typically not inside the terminal where you collect bags. Instead, you take a shuttle or approved transport to an off-airport facility where the desks and vehicles are located. This is why collecting your bags first is so important, you need them with you before you board any shuttle.
Once outside, follow signs for rental car shuttles and confirm you are boarding the correct one. If you are travelling as a group, count your bags before boarding and keep small items such as passports and phones on your person, not in the luggage pile.
If you already know you want a particular supplier, it can help to familiarise yourself with their LAX information page, such as Thrifty car rental at LAX or National car hire at LAX, so you know what to expect at pick-up, including typical documentation and counter procedures.
Planning luggage, passengers, and vehicle size
LAX trips often involve long drives, from beach areas to Downtown, Disneyland, or the desert. Your luggage setup affects comfort and safety, especially if you are arriving after a long flight.
Be realistic about space. A standard saloon can struggle with multiple large suitcases, and stacking bags high can reduce rear visibility. If you have three or more travellers with checked luggage, consider whether an SUV or people carrier makes more sense. For bigger groups, you may find it simpler to plan around a larger vehicle category such as a van rental at LAX, which can reduce the need to squeeze bags onto seats.
Also think about where you are driving. Los Angeles parking garages and hotel car parks can have tight turns, but freeways are wide and fast. Choosing a vehicle you feel comfortable driving, especially if you are new to US roads, can make your first hour much calmer.
Common mistakes that cause delays at LAX rental pick-up
Leaving baggage claim too early. If you realise you forgot a bag or did not wait long enough, returning can take time. Stay until you are certain you have everything.
Not allowing for immigration and customs. International travellers often schedule tight plans immediately after landing. Build buffer time so you are not rushing at the counter, where you will need to review the agreement carefully.
Arriving without the right documents. Bring your driving licence, a passport or ID that matches the booking, and the payment card you intend to use. If multiple drivers are planned, each driver should have their licence present.
Misjudging luggage volume. The fastest counter experience will not help if your bags do not fit safely. It is worth deciding on an appropriate category in advance, especially for family trips or multi-stop itineraries.
FAQ
Do I have to collect my luggage before picking up a rental car at LAX? Yes. If you checked bags, collect them at baggage claim first, then leave the terminal and take the rental shuttle or transport to the rental desks.
What is the sequence for international arrivals at LAX before car hire? You clear immigration, then collect checked bags, then clear customs. After you exit into the public area, you can proceed to rental transport and the off-airport desks.
Can someone in my group go to the rental car desk while I wait for bags? It is usually better for everyone to stay together until bags are collected, because shuttles and rental desks are off-site and you will need luggage, documents, and driver details together.
If I have carry-on only, can I go straight to the rental shuttle? You can skip baggage claim, but you still need to reach Arrivals and follow ground transport signs. International passengers must still complete immigration and customs first.
How long should I allow from landing to reaching the rental desk at LAX? Domestic arrivals often take 45 to 90 minutes depending on baggage and shuttles. International arrivals can take 90 minutes or more due to immigration, baggage, and customs queues.
