LAX expected to break holiday travel records, adds greater police presence

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles International Airport is expected to break records for the holiday season with a near 10 percent hike in travelers over the previous year.

"We're the number one airport in America, if not the world," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

Garcetti said 4.3 million travelers will pass through the airport for the season, compared to the 3.9 million in 2015.

Garcetti and Los Angeles Airport Police Department Chief David Maggard said to expect greater police presence.

"We'll have extra officers. We know traffic is a significant issue here during the holidays. We'll make sure that we are very well staffed," Maggard said.

More passengers will begin or end their travels at LAX than at any other U.S. airport.

Therapy dogs remain at the airport to ease travelers' frustrations. To further avoid stress it is suggested to arrive 3 and half hours prior to departure time.

"My flight is at 1 p.m. but I prepare for the worst," Phillip Zhang, who travels to China, said.

Ridesharing options, uberPool and Lyft Line from Uber and Lyft, are now offered until the end of the month to save on airport travel expenses.

"People now have the option to share a ride with someone who is going the same direction as them, which means one car can facilitate one to two people getting out of the airport instead of multiple cars," Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend said.

The 24 hour LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, in the northwest corner of 96 Street and Vicksburg Avenue, additionally offers free parking for up to two hours for those waiting for passenger arrivals.