Where to Find Free Drinking Water at LAX Airport | Bottle Refill Locations

Yes, you can find fresh drinking water in LAX Airport throughout nearly every terminal. Los Angeles International has installed free refill stations and traditional drinking fountains in all major areas past security. Most stations provide filtered, cold water and are designed for reusable bottles. Whether you’re catching a domestic flight from Terminal 1 or flying internationally from the Tom Bradley International Terminal, you can easily refill your bottle without spending money on bottled water.

2. Why Knowing Where to Find Fresh Water at Airports Matters

Airports are known for high bottled water prices and limited access once you pass security. For frequent travelers and families, having a reliable place to refill bottles can make a big difference in comfort and cost. Los Angeles International is one of the busiest airports in the world, and hydration options can be hard to find if you don’t know where to look.

Finding fresh drinking water in LAX Airport is not only a budget saver, it’s also better for the environment. LAX has been gradually replacing older fountains with touchless refill stations that track plastic bottle savings in real time. Knowing exactly where these stations are located helps travelers stay prepared and avoid paying $5 for bottled water.

3. Where to Find Fresh Drinking Water in LAX Airport

The airport has nine passenger terminals, each with at least one refill option. Below is a breakdown of the best places to find free water refill stations in LAX.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 mainly serves Southwest Airlines. Refill stations are available near Gate 9, close to the restrooms and the food court seating area. Additional fountains are positioned beside the nursing room and adjacent to Gate 13.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has Elkay smart water refill stations between Gates 22 and 23, and another near Gate 25 next to the men’s restroom. All are touchless and dispense filtered water.

Terminal 3

Recently renovated, Terminal 3 features modern Hydration Stations located next to Starbucks and Hudson News. There is also one close to Gate 33A, near the main boarding corridor.

Terminal 4

Used primarily by American Airlines, Terminal 4 has refill points by Gate 45 and Gate 48A, along with traditional fountains near the Admirals Club entrance.

Terminal 5

In Terminal 5, look for refill areas near Gates 53 and 55A. A smaller fountain is tucked near the food court across from Lemonade Restaurant.

Terminal 6

This terminal features refill options near Gate 64 and Gate 66B. One of the stations is placed right by the escalators leading to the main concourse.

Terminal 7 and 8

United Airlines operates most of these gates. Smart refill stations can be found near Gates 72, 74, and 81. These stations are high-traffic and often used by long-haul travelers, so expect occasional lines.

Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)

The Tom Bradley International Terminal, also known as Terminal B, has several modern water refill stations installed during its major renovation. The most convenient ones are near Gates 148 and 150, close to the duty-free shopping area. Another is near Gate 134 by the entrance to the lounges. All TBIT refill units are touchless and filtered, making them ideal for international passengers preparing for long flights.

4. Can You Bring an Empty Bottle Through Security?

Yes, you can. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows travelers to bring empty reusable water bottles through airport checkpoints. You cannot carry full bottles through screening, but empty containers are completely allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Once you pass through TSA security, simply look for one of the refill stations listed above. Many passengers carry stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottles to refill once they’re inside the terminal. For parents traveling with children, this is the easiest way to stay hydrated without constantly buying drinks.

If you forget your bottle, several stores within LAX sell affordable reusable bottles and flasks, especially near Starbucks or Hudson News outlets.

5. Are the Refill Stations Filtered or Smart Units?

Most of the refill units at LAX are Elkay Smart Water Refill Stations. These are touchless and feature built-in filtration systems that remove chlorine taste and odors. They also include counters that display how many disposable bottles have been saved from landfills.

Older terminals may still have standard fountains, but LAX continues to upgrade them with modern refill points. These stations are usually labeled “Hydration Station” or “Water Refill.”

If filtration is important, use the touchless refill units, as they’re connected to newer water lines. The water quality across the airport meets Los Angeles city drinking water standards, which means it is safe to drink straight from the fountain.

6. Additional Tips for Refilling Water at LAX

Use a wide-mouth bottle. Some older fountains have low clearance, which can make refilling larger bottles difficult.

Avoid peak hours. Lines can form near popular refill stations between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or late evenings before red-eye flights.

Ask at cafes or lounges. Most airport cafes and lounges will refill your bottle with tap water if requested.

Stay aware of construction. LAX has ongoing renovations. If a refill station is closed, signage usually points to the next closest one.

Bring a filter bottle. If you’re sensitive to local tap water taste, a built-in filter bottle provides extra reassurance.

7. Environmental Impact of Refill Stations

Airports like LAX are focusing heavily on sustainability. Every time a traveler uses a refill station instead of buying bottled water, it reduces plastic waste and energy use from production and transport. According to airport sustainability reports, the refill program has already helped eliminate hundreds of thousands of single-use plastic bottles annually.

This focus on sustainability aligns with Los Angeles’s citywide initiatives to reduce plastic consumption and promote environmentally conscious travel. For passengers, the convenience of fresh, filtered water adds another layer of comfort.

8. Summary Table
Terminal Location Type Filtered Notes
T1 Gate 9 Fountain No Near restrooms and seating area
T2 Gates 22–23 Smart Refill Yes Touchless Elkay system
T3 Starbucks area Smart Refill Yes High-traffic zone
T4 Gate 45 Fountain No Traditional fountain
T5 Gate 53 Refill Yes Across from food court
T6 Gate 64 Refill Yes Near escalators
T7 Gate 72 Smart Refill Yes Filtered water
T8 Gate 81 Refill Yes Close to boarding gates
TBIT Gate 150 Smart Refill Yes Duty-free area
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Is tap water safe to drink at LAX Airport?
Yes. LAX follows Los Angeles city water safety standards, and the water is regularly tested for quality.

Do all terminals have free water refill stations?
Yes, every terminal at LAX has either a refill station or a standard drinking fountain.

Are the refill stations before or after security?
Most refill points are located after security, so plan to fill your bottle once you’ve cleared TSA.

Can I buy bottled water at LAX if needed?
Yes, bottled water is sold throughout the airport, but it is typically expensive. Refill stations are the best free alternative.

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