Flying with Sun Country Airlines from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)? One thing that can be confusing is that Sun Country checks passengers in at Terminal 1, while flights depart and arrive at Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal). LAX specifically notes that Sun Country passengers check in at Terminal 1 and are then bused to Terminal B. This guide explains the Sun Country Airlines LAX Terminal, including check-in, departures, arrivals, baggage, transportation, security, parking, and what to expect when moving between terminals.
What Terminal Is Sun Country Airlines at LAX?
Sun Country Airlines uses Terminal 1 for check-in at Los Angeles International Airport. Passengers are then transported by airport bus to Terminal B, where the flight departs or arrives.
Quick Sun Country LAX Information
- Airline: Sun Country Airlines
- Airline code: SY
- Check-in terminal: Terminal 1
- Departure terminal: Terminal B / Tom Bradley International Terminal
- Arrival terminal: Terminal B
- LAX address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
- LAX-listed Sun Country phone: 651-905-2737
- Check-in location: Departure Level, Terminal 1
- Transfer: Airport bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal B
- Contact Number: +18554635252
- Official Website: www.suncountry.com
- YouTube: www.youtube.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/suncountry
- Twitter: x.com/SunCountryAir
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/suncountryair
Because LAX is undergoing ongoing terminal modernization, it is always sensible to check your flight information before leaving for the airport.
Navigating to Los Angeles International Airport: Directions & Map
Complete List of Sun Country Airlines Terminals
Sun Country Airlines Terminal LAX for Check-In
If you are departing on a Sun Country flight, start your journey at Terminal 1. The airline’s LAX listing identifies Terminal 1 as the check-in location.
At Terminal 1, you can complete the airport portion of your journey, including airline check-in and baggage drop when applicable.
Once you have completed the required check-in and security process, LAX provides a bus connection to Terminal B, where Sun Country flights depart.
This is an important detail because a traveler who goes directly to Terminal B expecting to find the Sun Country check-in counters may have to return to Terminal 1.
Sun Country Airlines Terminal at LAX for Departures
The Sun Country Airlines terminal at LAX is Terminal 1 for check-in, but the actual flight departure takes place at Terminal B. LAX’s terminal information specifically says that Sun Country passengers check in at Terminal 1 and are bused to Terminal B.
After reaching Terminal B, follow the airport’s flight information screens to find the gate assigned to your flight.
Gate assignments can change, so it is better to rely on the information displayed on the day of travel rather than assuming that every Sun Country flight will use the same gate.
LAX Sun Country Airlines Terminal for Arrivals
Sun Country flights arriving at LAX use Terminal B for the flight arrival. LAX’s current airline information states that Sun Country passengers check in at Terminal 1 and are bused to Terminal B, where flights depart and arrive.
If you are meeting a passenger, check the flight status and arrival information before going to the airport. LAX has a large terminal complex, and traffic around the Central Terminal Area can make meeting someone more time-consuming than expected.
Sun Country Baggage at LAX
For departing passengers, baggage services begin at the Sun Country check-in area in Terminal 1.
If you are arriving at LAX, your flight arrives at Terminal B. Follow the signs for baggage claim and check the airport information screens for your flight’s baggage carousel.
If your checked baggage is missing, damaged, or delayed, contact Sun Country’s baggage/customer-service staff as soon as possible and keep your baggage receipt or claim information available.
How Does the Terminal Transfer Work?
The Terminal 1-to-Terminal B transfer is one of the most important things to understand when flying Sun Country from LAX.
The basic process is:
Arrive at Terminal 1 → Check in with Sun Country → Drop checked baggage if needed → Complete required security procedures → Take the airport bus → Terminal B → Find your departure gate
LAX explains that passengers checking in at Terminal 1 for Sun Country are bused to Terminal B.
LAX’s airport guidance also advises travelers to allow additional time for movement around the airport because of ongoing construction and modernization work.
How Early Should You Arrive for Sun Country at LAX?
For an international or particularly busy travel day, giving yourself around three hours before departure is a practical approach. The exact amount of time you need can depend on your flight, baggage, security lines, traffic, and other circumstances.
Arriving early is particularly useful at LAX because you need to account for the transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal B.
You should allow extra time if you:
- Have checked baggage
- Are traveling with children
- Need special assistance
- Are unfamiliar with LAX
- Are traveling during a holiday or weekend
- Are driving and need to park
- Need additional time for security screening
Sun Country LAX Terminal and Security
Security is another reason not to arrive at the last minute.
After completing the required check-in process at Terminal 1, follow the airport’s directions for passenger screening and the transfer to Terminal B.
LAX is a large and busy airport, and security conditions can change throughout the day. Have your boarding pass and identification ready and make sure your carry-on items meet current TSA requirements.
Sun Country Gates at LAX
Sun Country flights arriving at and departing from LAX use Terminal B / Tom Bradley International Terminal after passengers complete the Terminal 1 check-in process.
The exact gate is assigned according to the individual flight and airport operations. Check the flight information screens at LAX for the latest gate number.
Do not assume that a previous Sun Country flight used the same gate as your current flight.
Transportation to Sun Country Terminal at LAX
If you are being dropped off for a Sun Country departure, tell your driver that you need Terminal 1 for Sun Country check-in.
This is important because the flight itself departs from Terminal B.
LAX also operates terminal-to-terminal transportation, and the airport provides several options for getting around the airport complex. The airport’s terminal information identifies a bus transfer for Sun Country passengers traveling from Terminal 1 to Terminal B.
Driving to LAX
If you are driving, follow signs for Los Angeles International Airport and then follow the airport signs for Terminal 1.
Leave extra time for traffic. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and traffic around the terminal loop can become especially slow during peak travel periods.
Rideshare and Taxi
Rideshare and taxi services use designated airport pickup and drop-off areas. Follow the airport signs and your driver’s instructions rather than getting dropped at Terminal B when you still need to check in at Terminal 1.
Parking Near Sun Country LAX Terminal
LAX has parking facilities around the Central Terminal Area. If you are driving yourself to the airport, consider the time required to park, walk to Terminal 1, check in, complete security, and transfer to Terminal B.
During busy periods, parking areas and airport roads can take longer to navigate.
For a Sun Country departure, Terminal 1 should be your starting point, not Terminal B.
Food, Shops and Passenger Services
Terminal 1 provides passenger facilities such as food and beverage options, restrooms, and other basic airport services. After transferring to Terminal B, travelers can access the wider range of dining, shopping, and passenger amenities available in the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
If you have a long wait, check the current terminal facilities and operating hours because individual restaurants and services can change.
Sun Country LAX Terminal: Important Travel Tip
The most common source of confusion is the difference between the check-in terminal and the flight terminal.
If you search for Sun Country Airlines terminal LAX, you may see Terminal 1. That is correct for check-in.
If you search for the terminal where the Sun Country flight actually departs or arrives, you will find Terminal B.
In simple terms:
Sun Country check-in = Terminal 1
Sun Country departure/arrival = Terminal B
LAX’s current airline directory confirms Sun Country as Terminal 1 and specifically notes the bus transfer to Terminal B.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Sun Country Airlines LAX Terminal is easier once you know the difference between check-in and the actual flight terminal. Check in at Terminal 1 with Sun Country and then take the airport shuttle to Terminal B for Sun Country arrivals and departures.
Before you head off to LAX, check your Sun Country reservation and the most current flight information at the airport. When traveling through Los Angeles International Airport, allowing yourself extra time is especially helpful because terminal operations, gates, transportation arrangements and airport traffic can change.
