Interesting Facts about Airport Codes

You may recognize LAX as the airport code for Los Angeles International airport. These airport codes are assigned to airports throughout the world for the purpose of communication and safety. The airport code is a location identifier that is recognized by airports, governments, and security officials. It is usually 3 letters. However, because of the increasing number of airports throughout the world, some airport codes may be 4 letters or may contain numbers in addition to letters. Many airport codes easily remind you of the airport such as JFK (John F. Kennedy Airport) or ATL (Atlanta).

The 3 letter codes were started in the 1930's by the International Air Transport Association. Many codes were assigned to a particular location by simply adding the letter "X" to the two letter National Weather Service code for a particular area. Thus LA became LAX. Some airport codes are as a result of the United States military agencies requesting airports codes assigned to them. For example, Navy airports begin with the letter "N".

Airport codes make life easier for passengers and airline workers. Travelers use airport codes when making reservations and when checking for flight status. Airport workers use it to check in your luggage and to get your luggage on the correct flights and destination. Pilots use it to communicate their destination. Airport codes help keep the communication organized between airports, travel agencies, and security.