Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Santiago Airport (STI): what you need to know
Santiago is four hours ahead of Los Angeles and observes the UTC-4 timezone.
To ensure you get on your LAX to STI flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you ample time for security and boarding.
If you want to add a stop to your trip, just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to Santiago Airport. Here are the top stopovers between LAX and STI:
New York John F. Kennedy Airport
Miami International Airport
Panama City Tocumen International Airport
Handy information about Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Los Angeles International Airport has a strong on-time record, so you're less likely to experience disruptions. Departures from LAX land at their destination as scheduled 80% of the time.
Central Los Angeles to Los Angeles International Airport is around 29 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 35 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi.
The trip on public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Get your journey off to a leisurely start by staying near LAX. Whether you're taking an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Santiago Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Arriving at Santiago Airport (STI)
Consider booking a hotel close to STI if you have a late Los Angeles International Airport to Santiago Airport flight. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Santiago Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from America, Zezgo Rent a Car or Alamo and explore beyond Santiago's usual tourist stops.
Get the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Santiago Airport about one week in advance of your trip.
Getting from Santiago Airport (STI) to central Santiago
Santiago Airport is approximately 16 kilometres from the centre of Santiago. Driving there takes about 25 minutes.
It takes roughly 40 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
When to fly to Santiago Airport (STI)
August is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Santiago Airport. For a quieter experience, visit Santiago in October.
The warmest month in Santiago is August, with the temperature ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Santiago Airport in this month if you like this kind of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from LAX to STI in January. Average temperatures are between 16ºC (61ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF) then.
Explore more of the Dominican Republic
You've done Santiago, now it's time to explore other corners of the Dominican Republic. Travel around 137 kilometres south-east to Santo Domingo to tick off its leading sights. From Catedral Primada de las Americas to Alcazar de Colon and The Cathedral of the Americas, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 145 kilometres south-east of Santiago, Santo Domingo Este is another favourite stop in the Dominican Republic. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Lago los tres ojos, National Aquarium and La Cueva del Eden.