Look, if you’ve ever spent two hours crawling through the Sepulveda Tunnel just to reach a terminal at LAX, you know the soul-crushing reality of Southern California travel. It’s a mess. Most people think flying into Los Angeles requires a mandatory initiation ritual of traffic jams and terminal shuttles that never arrive.
But here’s the thing. There’s a better way.
Flights to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) are basically the "cheat code" for visiting LA. While everyone else is fighting for their lives in the Tom Bradley International terminal, you could be walking from your plane to a rideshare in under ten minutes. No joke. I’ve seen people clear security and find their gate in the time it takes to order a latte.
The Secret is Out (and the Airlines Know It)
A lot has changed recently. For a while, Burbank was the quirky little sibling of the LA airport scene. Now? It’s a powerhouse for domestic travel.
Southwest Airlines is still the king of the hill here. They run the show with a massive schedule of nonstops. If you’re coming from Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Oakland, you’re looking at dozens of options. But it’s not just the "LUV" airline anymore.
Alaska Airlines has been aggressively expanding its footprint, connecting the Pacific Northwest directly to the Valley. You’ve also got the heavy hitters like American, Delta, and United running regional hops that connect you to their global hubs. If you’re flying in from Dallas or Denver, you can usually find a seat.
The Great Airline Shuffle of 2026
We’ve seen some drama lately, though. Avelo Airlines, which basically put Burbank back on the map for budget travelers a few years ago, decided to pack up and focus on the East Coast. It was a bummer for the locals.
📖 Related: Weather for Falmouth Kentucky: What Most People Get Wrong
But nature—and aviation—abhors a vacuum.
Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air have stepped in to fill that void. Allegiant actually ditched LAX entirely in early 2026 to move their operations over to Burbank. That tells you everything you need to know about which airport is winning the "convenience war."
Why This Tiny Airport Beats the Megahubs
Burbank is small. Like, surprisingly small.
The current terminal feels like a throwback to the 1960s, but in a charming way. You walk out onto the tarmac to board your plane using those old-school ramps or stairs. It’s very "Golden Age of Hollywood."
- Proximity is everything. If your hotel is in Hollywood, West Hollywood, or near Universal Studios, you’re about 15-20 minutes away. From LAX? That’s a 90-minute gamble.
- The "Curb-to-Gate" Sprint. Security lines at BUR rarely exceed 15 minutes, even on a bad day.
- The Only Direct Rail Link. It’s the only airport in the region with a train station right on the property. You can hop the Metrolink or Amtrak and be in Downtown LA or even Santa Barbara without touching a steering wheel.
The $1.3 Billion Elephant in the Room
Now, let's talk about the construction. If you’ve looked at flights to Hollywood Burbank Airport recently, you might have seen news about the "Elevate BUR" project.
The old terminal, while nostalgic, is basically a relic. It’s too close to the runways and doesn't meet modern seismic codes. So, they’re building a brand-new 355,000-square-foot facility.
👉 See also: Weather at Kelly Canyon: What Most People Get Wrong
The good news? It’s on track to open in October 2026.
The better news? They aren't adding more gates. They’re keeping it at 14. This is huge because it means the airport won't lose that "small-town" feel. They’re just making the bathrooms nicer, the seating more plentiful, and the TSA checkpoint way more efficient. One terminal, one security line, zero headaches.
What about the noise?
Burbank has some of the strictest noise curfews in the country. Planes don't take off or land between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Unless there’s an emergency, it’s quiet.
This is a double-edged sword. If your flight is delayed elsewhere, you might end up diverted to LAX at midnight because you missed the "Burbank window." It’s rare, but it happens. Always check your incoming flight's status if there's weather in the forecast.
Booking Like a Local
If you’re hunting for deals, San Francisco (SFO) to Burbank is consistently one of the cheapest routes in California. You can often snag a one-way for under $70 if you book a few weeks out.
Don't ignore the smaller regional airports either. Places like Santa Rosa or Arcata-Eureka now have direct links to BUR. It’s changed the way people move through the state.
✨ Don't miss: USA Map Major Cities: What Most People Get Wrong
One thing most people get wrong: They assume Burbank is always more expensive than LAX. Sometimes it is. But when you factor in the $80 Uber or the $40-a-day parking at LAX—not to mention the "stress tax" of navigating that horseshoe—Burbank usually wins the math.
Transportation Tips
When you land, don't just reflexively open the Uber app.
Check the Metro Micro service. It’s an on-demand rideshare run by the city that costs about $1. It’s limited to certain zones, but if you’re staying nearby, it’s a steal. Also, the Hollywood Way entrance is currently a construction zone, so give yourself an extra 10 minutes for the shuttle if you’re parking in the long-term lots.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you are planning a trip to Southern California, follow this checklist to see if Burbank makes sense for you:
- Map your destination. If you are staying anywhere north of I-10 (Hollywood, Pasadena, Glendale, Valley), Burbank is your best bet.
- Check Southwest first. Since they don't show up on Google Flights or Expedia, you have to go to their site directly. They often have the most frequent "commuter" flights.
- Mind the curfew. If you’re a nervous flyer who hates delays, try to book a morning flight. It guarantees you won't get caught by the 10:00 p.m. cutoff.
- Use the train. If you're heading to Union Station, the Metrolink Ventura County Line or the Antelope Valley Line are faster and cheaper than any car service.
Flying shouldn't be a chore. While LAX is busy spending billions to fix its traffic problem, Burbank is quietly sitting there, being the easiest airport in America.