Which airport in the Los Angeles area is the best for your flight?

Los Angeles – home of the stars, luxury, and endless avocado toast. But unlike the effortlessly chic celebrities, navigating LA's many airports requires more than just dreams and a cardigan.

Yes, the sunshine and warm weather make landing a breeze, but to reach the high-end shops of Rodeo Drive or the laid-back vibe of Venice Beach, you’ll need to choose your airport wisely.

While we wish there were a VIP airport that would let you skip the traffic, the reality is that Los Angeles traffic is a fact of life. Plan ahead and choose the airport closest to your final destination to make your journey a bit smoother.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Located in: Westchester, conveniently situated to the west of downtown Los Angeles.

Choose it if: You're headed to iconic locations like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Malibu, or family-friendly attractions such as Disneyland.

Think again if: The thought of multi-million dollar renovations, endless traffic, and rushing to catch a connecting flight stresses you out.

Worst thing about the airport: Despite its size – or perhaps because of it – LAX is often ranked among the worst airports in the U.S. due to lengthy security and immigration lines. It's also one of the busiest airports, serving 40.5 million passengers in 2016.

Best thing about the airport: If you're passing through the Tom Bradley International Terminal, you’re in for a premium shopping and dining experience, with popular spots like Petrossian, Chaya, and ink.sack nearby. Plus, the airport's Twitter feed is both helpful and often charming, offering updates and entertainment during delays.

Must-try avocado dish: The Ahi Tuna burger with crushed avocado and wasabi tartar from Umami Burger.

Chance of celebrity spotting: LAX is the ultimate hotspot for TMZ reporters and celebrity enthusiasts hoping for a glimpse of their favorite stars.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Located in: San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles.

Choose it if: You're heading to San Bernardino, exploring its National Forest, or if you scored an amazing deal on a flight here.

Think twice if: You’re counting on anything other than a rental car for getting around.

Downside of the airport: It could be confusing for travelers heading to Ontario, Canada, if they're not paying close attention.

Best thing about the airport: With its laid-back, no-frills atmosphere, you get a straightforward experience without any surprises.

Must-try avocado dish: Unfortunately, there’s no standout avocado dish here; the airport’s food options are limited to Carl’s Jr., vending machines, and a few restaurants that one reviewer described as 'bad, even by airport standards.'

Distance to Hollywood: 46 miles away, about an hour’s drive, but finding an Uber could be a challenge – you might want to stick with a traditional yellow cab instead.

Chance of celebrity spotting: Possibly a C-list reality star.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Located in: Orange County (though locals don't really call it that).

Choose it if: You're headed to Costa Mesa, Irvine, or Newport Beach, and prefer an airport that’s smaller and more manageable.

Think twice if: You thrive on the hustle and bustle of LAX's chaotic energy.

Downside of the airport: It's located in the O.C., and if you're aiming for international travel, your choices are mostly limited to Mexico and Canada.

Upside of the airport: It’s located in the O.C.

Must-try avocado dish: Keep it simple – grab a quesadilla at Javier's with extra guacamole for a quick and satisfying pre-flight snack.

Distance to Hollywood: 44 miles, about an hour’s drive, though it could take longer depending on traffic.

Chance of celebrity spotting: You might spot some secondary characters from 'The Hills.'

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Located in: Burbank, right next to the heart of film and TV studios.

Choose it if: You’re a movie lover who enjoys spotting Hollywood memorabilia while rushing to your gate (fun fact: the final scene of 'Casablanca' was filmed here!) or if you want to avoid the chaos of LAX.

Think twice if: Your destination is Long Beach or Disneyland.

Downside of the airport: The food options are limited and overpriced, and the branding is confusing – is it Bob Hope or Burbank? Pick one!

Best thing about the airport: Fewer flights mean less crowded security lines and a more relaxed pace getting to your gate.

Must-try avocado dish: Unfortunately, there's nothing noteworthy in the avocado department here.

Distance to Hollywood: Just 10 miles away, about a 20-minute drive south on the 101 to the Walk of Fame.

Chance of celebrity spotting: You might get lucky and see Tim Burton or one of the Jonas brothers.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Located in: Long Beach, California.

Choose it if: You crave a throwback to the golden days of flying – short lines, friendly staff, and decent, affordable airport food. It’s the airport of choice for many Angelenos, if they can swing it.

Think twice if: International travel is on your agenda – with only four carriers (American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue), all domestic, you’re limited. However, you can still catch direct flights to destinations from New York to Anchorage.

Downside of the airport: Is it too perfect? From the seamless experience to the adorably sincere Twitter feed, it almost feels like it’s trying too hard to be charming.

Best thing about the airport: Most travelers say you can breeze through security with plenty of time to spare, often arriving just an hour before your flight and still making it through stress-free.

Must-try avocado dish: With some of the best airport food in the U.S., there’s no shortage of great options, but for simplicity’s sake, a guac-covered burrito from Taco Beach Cantina is always a winner.

Distance to Hollywood: About 31 miles, but expect heavy traffic along the way.

Celebrity sighting factor: You might spot some indie musicians who are in-the-know.