USA Today Travel Zone at LAX: Shop Guide & Tips

Shop Overview

USA Today Travel Zone is your classic “grab-and-go” airport shop done right: a reliable place to pick up reading material, snacks, beverages, and the small essentials you always seem to need once you’re already airside. At LAX, the store is found in various terminals, with a well-known presence in Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal), making it especially handy for international departures and connections.

Expect a quick, efficient customer experience—easy-to-browse shelves, lots of impulse-friendly items near the register, and a product mix built for travelers: magazines and newspapers, candy and chips, bottled drinks, basic toiletries, and practical accessories like chargers or earbuds (selection varies by location). It’s not a boutique; it’s the dependable pit stop when you have 5–10 minutes before boarding.

What to Buy

• Best sellers: bottled water and soft drinks, packaged snacks, candy, gum, and last-minute reading (newspapers, magazines, puzzle books).
• Travel essentials: tissues, hand sanitizer, lip balm, basic OTC items, and simple tech needs (think charging cables or earbuds where stocked).
• Gifts and “forgot-it” items: postcards, small souvenirs, and practical items for kids or long-haul comfort (availability depends on terminal location).

Local specialties/airport convenience picks: If you want overtly LA-themed souvenirs, stores like I Love LA (Terminal 1) are more focused. USA Today Travel Zone shines when you need a fast fix: a drink for the plane, a magazine for the flight, or a charger you can’t travel without.

Price comparisons: Convenience pricing is typical for airports—expect higher-than-city prices for drinks and snacks. This is generally not a duty-free concept, so don’t expect tax-free savings here. For international duty-free deals (fragrance, spirits, luxury), shop the duty-free options in Terminal B instead.

Location & Hours

Exact location: Listed as Various terminals at LAX, with a notable location in Terminal B (Tom Bradley International Terminal). Because LAX retail placements can shift, the best approach is to follow terminal directories once you’ve cleared security or ask an information desk for the nearest Travel Zone.

Security access: Most LAX retail is post-security on the departures level. Terminal B also has some concourse-level shopping areas; access can vary by checkpoint configuration, so plan on purchasing after you clear TSA unless you confirm otherwise in-terminal.

Hours: Store-specific hours aren’t consistently published. LAX operates 24/7, but security screening typically opens around 4–5 a.m. and may wind down late night depending on flight schedules—expect the shop to be busiest during morning departures and early evening international banks.

Peak vs. quiet times: Peak: 6–9 a.m. and 4–8 p.m. Quiet: mid-morning and late evening (selection may be reduced closer to closing).

Shopping Tips

• Duty-free reminder: If you’re flying internationally and want duty-free savings, buy those items in Terminal B duty-free shops; USA Today Travel Zone is best for essentials and quick picks.
• Reserve & collect: Not typically offered for convenience/news shops—assume walk-up purchase.
• Returns: For food, beverages, and reading materials, returns are often limited. If you’re buying an accessory (charger/earbuds), keep the receipt and ask about exchange rules before opening.
• Payment: Expect major credit/debit cards and mobile pay; cash is generally accepted, though card is fastest during rush periods.