Shop Overview
RELAY is LAX’s classic travel convenience shop—best known for a strong mix of bestselling books, magazines, and practical “forgot-it-at-home” essentials. It’s designed for speed: quick browsing, easy add-ons for your flight, and a reliable range of snacks and drinks for the gate area.
Selection typically leans toward high-turn travel favorites: new-release paperbacks, puzzles and activity items, grab-and-go food, plus tech basics like charging cables and earbuds. You won’t find luxury exclusives here, but you will find the kind of dependable assortment that solves last-minute problems—especially when other specialty stores are a walk away.
What to Buy
- Flight-ready reading: bestselling fiction/nonfiction paperbacks, current magazines, newspapers, and puzzle books. If you’re on a long-haul, grab a paperback plus a magazine for variety.
- Snacks and drinks: packaged snacks, candy, mints/gum, and bottled beverages—ideal when terminal restaurants have lines or your connection is tight.
- Travel essentials: tissues, wipes, lip balm, basic toiletries, and small health items that are easy to forget.
- Tech must-haves: phone chargers/cables, power adapters, and basic headphones/earbuds for “my battery is at 12%” moments.
- Souvenir-lite picks: postcards, small gifts, and LA-themed impulse items may appear depending on the specific RELAY location.
Price note: RELAY is generally priced like an airport convenience store—expect a premium versus off-airport pharmacies or supermarkets. For duty-free savings, RELAY typically isn’t the place; if you’re shopping for alcohol, fragrances, or luxury goods, you’ll usually do better at DFS Duty Free (Terminal 6) or the duty-free options in Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Location & Hours
RELAY operates at LAX in the shopping category; exact placement can vary by terminal and concourse. In most cases at LAX, shops like RELAY are located post-security on the departures level, positioned along the main passenger flow between the security exit and gates.
Directions: after clearing security, follow the primary concourse walkway toward your gate area—RELAY-style news and convenience stores are commonly placed near high-traffic junctions and gate clusters for quick in-and-out stops.
Hours: individual store hours can vary. LAX is open 24/7, but screening typically starts around 4–5 a.m. and may wind down late night depending on flight schedules. Plan to shop after security when your concourse is active.
- Peak times: weekday mornings (6–9 a.m.), late afternoons (3–7 p.m.), and during heavy international departure banks.
- Quieter times: mid-morning and late evening, when you’ll have more space to browse magazines and book racks.
Shopping Tips
- Duty-free reminder: if you’re connecting to an international flight and want duty-free value, prioritize DFS/duty-free first—RELAY is best for essentials, not tax-free luxury.
- Time it right: stop in immediately after security if you need water/snacks; popular items can sell down closer to peak departure waves.
- Returns/exchanges: airport convenience purchases are often final or limited—keep your receipt and ask before buying electronics or accessories.
- Payment: expect major credit/debit cards and mobile wallet acceptance; carry a backup card in case of spotty contactless service.
Category
shopping