“Navigating Los Angeles: Your Ultimate Guide to Safe Travels, Stays, and Transportation!”

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A week after the eruption of destructive wildfires in Los Angeles, it might be easy to assume that the crisis is over. Yet, near-daily alerts about strong winds indicate that the worst is not yet behind for LA’s inhabitants.

For tourists, there has been no formal advisory from Californian officials urging to stay away. The UK Foreign Office merely states, “‘Fast-spreading wildfires are presently active within Los Angeles County. You should keep an eye on local media and heed the guidance of local officials.”

Thus, if you must travel to, through, or from Los Angeles soon, is it safe to do so?

Are flights suspended at LAX?

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) generally accommodates approximately 700 flights daily. It is situated about 17 km from the flames in the Palisades yet has remained operational throughout the emergency.

A notice on the airport’s site indicates, “​​LAX is open and functioning normally. Passengers should verify their flight status directly with their airline.”

No irregular delays have been reported at LAX, with all services functioning as expected, although some travelers have witnessed the devastation from above.

Numerous airlines are waiving fees for passengers wishing to alter their flight plans. This includes prominent US carriers American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Southwest and JetBlue are also not imposing fees.

In addition to LAX, regional airports at Hollywood Burbank, Ontario, and Santa Ana John Wayne also remain operational and are included in the airlines’ fee waivers. Likewise, flights have not faced delays due to the wildfires, though high winds did cause some interruptions last week.

If there were any threat associated with flying from LAX, the FAA and airport authorities would halt services. Therefore, it is currently safe to fly to and from Los Angeles, though whether you choose to is another story.

Is visiting Los Angeles safe?

Depending on your destination within the city, certain regions are definitely unsafe to visit. The wildfires are mainly concentrated in the northern part of the city, with the most significant fire in the Palisades burning over 97,000 square meters.

Other sections of LA County have also been impacted, including areas close to the tourist favorite Sunset Boulevard.

A health emergency was declared on January 11 due to the smoke. Some water sources have been polluted, and residents have been cautioned against swimming in the ocean. Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, with even brief exposure causing long-term, serious health issues.

Regarding amenities, DoorDash has halted services in the affected regions, and many businesses are closed. Emergency responders are overwhelmed trying to manage the crisis, leading to the cancellation or relocation of many local events.

Is Disneyland in LA closed?

As of January 15, several major attractions remain shut down, including:

• Warner Bros. Studio

• The Getty Center

• The Hammer Museum

• The Natural History Museum

• The Museum of Contemporary Art

• The Hollywood sign and its hiking paths

Disneyland and Universal Studios continue to operate. Disney issued a statement last week clarifying, “If you’re planning a Disneyland visit, there’s no reason to cancel unless you plan to spend a considerable part of your trip in the LA vicinity.”

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Airbnb is providing complimentary short-term accommodation for displaced residents, but the demand has surged. Losing money on non-refundable bookings can be painful, but since someone likely needs that room, the best course of action is to contact your hotel to explain the situation.

Further information on assistance offered by the travel sector.

Is driving in Los Angeles safe?

Traffic within the city has eased significantly since last week’s initial evacuation snarls. However, numerous roads remain closed, and closures frequently occur with little notice.

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is consistently updating drivers via social media about which roads are closed. It has advised motorists to “limit non-essential travel and steer clear” of impacted areas.

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While there hasn’t been an official directive to refrain from driving in LA County, KQED relays that council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson mentioned in a press briefing on Wednesday, “If there isn’t a compelling reason for you to be on the roads, we request that you keep the roads clear for public safety professionals who need to perform their duties and guide us out of this crisis.”

Tens of thousands are currently displaced from their homes and will need to use the roads to return home eventually. Likewise, in the case of another fire igniting or spreading, the roads could quickly become congested with evacuating residents.

Is public transportation operational in LA?

The LA Metro and Amtrak are operational, but they are focusing their services on those impacted by the wildfires.

LA Metro is offering free fares throughout the system while the wildfires remain under control. Its website notes, “We are running with a few service disruptions to some bus lines due to wildfires. All rail lines are maintaining regular services. We’re also continuing to offer free fares systemwide while fire conditions persist.”

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Amtrak is additionally supporting the evacuation efforts, providing $10 (€11) fares for travel between San Diego and San Luis Obispo until January 24.

Over 100,000 individuals are under mandatory evacuation alerts in Los Angeles County, with an additional 89,000 under evacuation warnings. Many will rely on buses and trains to navigate in and out of the city.

In addition to being busy, the public transport situation can shift swiftly. Cancellations and closures may be implemented with little notice to ensure travelers’ safety, so keep this in mind if you plan to utilize bus or train services.

How to check the current situation of the Los Angeles wildfires

If your journey isn’t for several days or even weeks, you might want to check on the current status closer to your travel dates. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides a live, real-time dashboard illustrating where the fires are located and their containment status.

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This also indicates which areas are under a red flag warning. This is a forecast alert issued by the National Weather Service in the US when conditions are favorable for wildfire ignition.

While an area is under a red flag warning, residents, firefighters, and land management agencies will be on heightened alert. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit, but if you do, it’s vital to understand that local authorities and residents will be extraordinarily busy and under stress.