Man Says Terminals At LAX Show A Clear ‘Class Divide.’ Is He Right?: ‘JetBlue…A Greyhound Station’

The class divide is something that we often pretend doesn’t exist. But certain situations can highlight the differences between those who travel first class and those who look for bargain fares. And it’s more than just the differences in designer versus sale-rack t-shirts.

In a TikTok video worthy of a sociology final, Auroranikk (@auroranikk), an account that aggregates content about traveling, posted a series of observations about Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The central idea? That LAX exemplifies the class divide in Los Angeles.

As of this writing, this idea has garnered over 254,000 views and 791 comments.

LAX As A Symbol Of The Class Divide

“Terminal 1 has an Urth Cafe; Terminal 3 has a gaming and computer lounge; and then you look at Terminal 5, which is where Spirit and JetBlue are and it’s like a Greyhound station,” the man featured in the video argues.

As he’s speaking, photos of each respective area are flashing on the screen. Terminal 1’s vibe is minimal, with warm oak seating and pops of green. It looks like the type of place you could order a $9 fresh-squeezed celery juice, and be grateful for the opportunity.

Over in Terminal 3, it’s sleek neon with various snacks and beers available. In Terminal 5, the look is distinctly utilitarian. It might be over-exaggerating to say it’s giving 80s-Eastern Block aesthetics, but it surely is giving “raw traveler challenge” vibes.

And all of this is before you leave the airport. “Don’t even get me started on LAX-it,” the content creator said. “Which you can only bypass if you buy an Uber Black, which is like $100,” he noted. BoardingArea checked a fare finder, and from LAX to Chateau Marmont the cost is $77.

LAX-it is the designated area where travelers can pick up their taxis, ride-shares and car services. Because LAX is so huge, there are multiple designated pick-up areas for free shuttles. LAX-it also prides itself on being Americans with Disabilities Act friendly, and promises assistance for passengers with disabilities. The area is designed to streamline the process of leaving the airport—though many users in the comments section prefer to avoid it when possible—and will pay to do so.

Navigating LAX Like A Pro

Criticizing airports for being overwhelming and laborious became a focus of users in the comments.

“Don’t even get me started on the terminal that requires you to get on a bus after going through security to fly Frontier,” said Camille. Her comment kicked off several other Frontier remembrances, “I once flew out of Frontier and my gate was in the back rooms,” said Nicole.

But others offered an opposite take. One wrote, “Proud Lax-it hater, Uber Black is worth every penny.”

Still more focused on LAX’s other services, “It’s even worse than that. There’s a private membership only terminal with it’s own drop off, security, customs, and parking lol,” reported Cort.

LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world. There are a few things to know before arriving or departing. If you need to leave your vehicle there, prebook parking well before your departure. Then the day of your flight, check to make sure your flight is on time. Finally, arrive at the airport about three hours early.

Because whether you’re flying first class to Dubai, or on a “getaway” fare to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you still need a plan to manage the 3,500-acre facility. First class or standby, the result is the same: you’re literally flying through the clouds. No matter what t-shirt you decide to wear.

BoardingArea reached out to Auroranikk via TikTok direct message and with a comment on the video. We will update this if they respond.

@auroranikk Skip the SIM cards – portable Wi-Fi connects you globally with no hassle.#GLLife #GLWiFi #glocalme #AirportWiFi #TravelHotspot ♬ original sound – auroranik