Rollins's Rules: Los Angeles International Airport

Henry Rollins shares his travel tips for navigating LAX


Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports in the world. Punk icon Henry Rollins shares his pro tips for the best ways to navigate through LAX, whether it's during the busy holiday season or any time of year.

"I consider myself a citizen of the world. I am out in it often. While I am gone over 162 days a year traveling and touring, my home base is LA. I spend an inordinate amount of my time at LAX. Here’s a few tips to help you power through and enjoy the ride, even before you board the plane. Let’s hit it!"

Henry Rollins arrives early at Tom Bradley International to fly out of LAX
Henry Rollins at Tom Bradley International in LAX

1. Arrive Early & Fly Early

Rollins Rule: "LAX is a bustling cultural passageway hosting millions of people a year. That's why I try to arrive early for an early flight. Less lines, less waiting. But really, it doesn't matter when you get here, because you are never alone at LAX."

Henry Rollins at a Self Service Check-In station in Tom Bradley International at LAX
Henry Rollins at a Self Service Check-In station

2. Self Service Check-In

Rollins Rule: "Take advantage of modern technology. Automated check-in - both regular and biometric - is a miracle. If you want to save time and not stand in line, automated check-in is the way to go."

Henry Rollins packs light and weighs his luggage at Tom Bradley International in LAX
Henry Rollins weighs his luggage at Tom Bradley International

3. Pack Light

Rollins Rule: "Pack light. Only as much as you can run with."

Henry Rollins with his driver's license at LAX
Henry Rollins with his driver's license at LAX

4. Don’t Put Your ID Away

Rollins Rule: "You're gonna want to keep your ID at the ready 'cause you're gonna have to use it at least one more time before you get on the plane. Please don’t make me stand behind you in line as you fish through your cargo pants for your ID."

Grilled fish tacos from Border Grill at Tom Bradley International in LAX
Grilled fish tacos | Photo: Border Grill LAX

5. Make Time for Breakfast

Rollins Rule: "You have no doubt had the less-than-great airport meal experience. LAX is turning that on its head with fantastic restaurants everywhere you look. So, next time you come to LAX, get here early, find a seat, and dive into some really good food." Pro tip: Pre-order food for pick-up or have it delivered directly to your gate using LAXOrderNow.com.

Henry Rollins and a TSA Agent in Tom Bradley International at LAX
Henry Rollins and a TSA Agent at LAX

6. Make Eye Contact

Rollins Rule: "When you return to America, you're going to be dealing with Immigration. Your passport will be looked at and you will be asked some questions. Answer politely, make eye contact - a smile is OK - but just remember, these men and women work very long hours and it's very intense work. They're looking at paperwork, they're looking at you. Because their job is to keep America safe."

Henry Rollins relaxes with headphones in the Executive Lounge at LAX
Henry Rollins relaxes in the Executive Lounge at LAX

7. Reward Yourself with a Business Class Ticket

Rollins Rule: "I’ve got a lifetime of upgrades and executive lounges. I’ve earned it. Reward yourself for all those years of middle seats with a business class ticket. It gives you exclusive access to LAX’s executive lounges. Hydrate, relax, even try a hot shower."

Henry Rollins gets a warm welcome from a PUP Program dog at LAX
Henry Rollins gets a warm welcome from a PUP Program dog

8. PUP Program

Rollins Rule: "I am always in a hurry. But I always have time for a dog. LAX has therapy dogs to greet you whether you are departing or arriving, in case you feel like giving unconditional affection to a friendly four-legged creature."

Henry Rollins uses the Global Entry Kiosk at Tom Bradley International in LAX
Henry Rollins uses the Global Entry Kiosk at Tom Bradley International

9. Global Entry

Rollins Rule: "[Global Entry] is my favorite kiosk. You take the face page of your passport, you put it in, it gets scanned, you follow the directions, you get your receipt, you proceed forward, and within two minutes you're at the baggage carousel. It's the only way to go. Also worth investigating is the Mobile Passport App. It’s free."

A plane flies over Henry Rollins on the tarmac at LAX
Henry Rollins on the tarmac at LAX
"I want to make LA more analog. I want to remind people that LA is a village, a community at heart despite the sprawl. We welcome everyone. And where do we touch down? LAX! Your turn." ~ Henry Rollins
"LAX From Daylight Into Darkness" by Mike Kelley
"LAX From Daylight Into Darkness" | Photo: Mike Kelley