Our Review of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Table of contents: Our Review of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Pros and Cons of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide) How we calculate On Time Performance Some Stats

Our Review of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.

At Plan Your Trips, we have analyzed hundreds of airports around the world, gaining a clear understanding of what users expect when visiting an airport. With this know-how, we have created this guide, placing passengers at the forefront of everything, aiming to simplify and enhance the airport experience.

In this guide, our goal is to present information in a manner that is both quick and reliable. Recognizing that passengers often have limited time and may be in a hurry, we strive to ensure that they do not waste time unnecessarily.

Another key focus of our guide is to highlight the strengths of the airport and also the weaknesses, and in some cases, offer recommendations to travelers. In alignment with this approach, we provide users with aggregated information on delays and on-time performance, analyzing both airlines and individual flights.

Pros and Cons of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Pros

Convenient Location:

Located just 3 miles northwest of downtown Burbank, the airport is close to major attractions like Warner Bros. Studios and Walt Disney Studios.
It’s also relatively close to Downtown Los Angeles, making it a convenient option for those who want to avoid the larger LAX airport.

Less Congested:

Compared to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burbank Airport is generally less crowded, which can make the travel experience smoother and less stressful.

Easy Access to Public Transportation:

The airport offers direct rail connections via Metrolink and Amtrak, providing easy access to Downtown Los Angeles and other parts of the region.

Parking and Rental Car Convenience:

Car rental counters are located near the terminal, and parking facilities are easily accessible, making it convenient for travelers who prefer driving.

Cost-Effective:

Parking and rental car options can be more cost-effective compared to larger airports like LAX, especially for short trips.

Cons

Limited International Flights:

The airport primarily offers domestic flights, which can be a drawback for international travelers who need direct connections to global destinations.

Smaller Terminal and Amenities:

While the new terminal expansion will improve facilities, the current setup is smaller compared to major airports, which might limit dining and shopping options.

Traffic in Surrounding Areas:

Despite being less crowded than LAX, the surrounding roads can still experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.

Limited Late-Night Services:

Some services, like shuttle operations to economy parking lots, may have limited hours (e.g., until midnight), which could be inconvenient for late-night arrivals.

Construction Disruptions:

The ongoing construction of the new terminal might cause temporary disruptions or changes in services, which could affect travelers’ experiences.

Mini-Guide of the Airport (2' Guide)

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a convenient alternative to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), offering easy access to popular destinations like Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Key Information

Location:3 miles northwest of downtown Burbank, CA
Terminals:Two terminals (A and B) connected by a walkway
Transportation Options:
- Taxis
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
- Public Buses (Metro Bus, Burbank Bus)
- Trains (Metrolink, Amtrak)
- Car Rentals

Parking

Valet: Convenient but more expensive (max daily rate $27)
Short-Term: Close to terminals, max daily rate $34
Long-Term (Economy Lots): More affordable, with shuttle service available

Tips

Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight.
Transportation: Use public transport or rideshare for cost savings.
Parking: Book parking in advance for better rates.

Upcoming Changes

New Terminal: Construction underway for a modern 14-gate terminal expected to open in October 2026.

Other Reviews

Here’s a summary and rating based on Google Reviews and Skytrax Reviews of Burbank Airport:

Positive Points:

Convenience and Ease of Use: The airport is praised for being easy to navigate and for quick check-in and security processes.
Alternative to LAX: Highlighted as a much more relaxed and less stressful option than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Car Rental Access: Some car rental companies allow direct walking access from the terminal.
Free WiFi: Offers excellent free WiFi connection.
Proximity to Public Transportation: Close to Metrolink/Amtrak station.

Negative Points:

Limited Food and Shopping Options: The offering of restaurants and stores is scarce.
Small Terminals: The terminals can feel crowded, especially during peak hours.
Lack of Jetways: Boarding is directly from the tarmac via stairs, though assistance is offered for those with reduced mobility.
Road Access: No direct freeway access, which can cause traffic during peak hours.
Limited Hours: Car rental and security service opening hours can be limited.

Rating:

Considering all factors, I would give Burbank Airport a rating of 3.8/5.

Justification of the Rating:

The airport stands out for its convenience and ease of use, which is highly valued by passengers who want to avoid the stress of larger airports like LAX. The efficiency in security checks and the possibility of walking to some car rental companies are points in its favor. However, limitations in food and shopping options, the size of the terminals, and road access issues detract from its score. It’s a good option for short domestic flights if you prioritize convenience over amenities.

How we calculate On Time Performance

On various pages of our website, you will encounter a metric widely utilized in aviation and other forms of transportation known as OTP (On Time Performance). We believe that providing this metric assists passengers in planning their trips and exploring alternatives before purchasing their flight tickets.

We calculate the On Time Performance for all flights and airlines, when we have enough data to do so. In certain instances, it may not be feasible to accurately compute the On-Time Performance for a specific flight or airline due to inadequate or non-representative data, which could result in misleading conclusions.

Our calculation of On Time Performance and delay information solely relies on arrival times. This approach is chosen over calculating departure delays, as we consider arrival punctuality to be of primary concern to passengers.

The On Time Performance displayed on our website is calculated as follows:

On Time: Flights that arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time, or earlier. In the absence of data for a specific flight, we assume the flight arrives on time, to avoid penalizing airlines for data unavailability.
Moderate Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 15 to 30 minutes.
Significant Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay of 30 to 60 minutes.
Major Delay: Flights that arrive with a delay exceeding 60 minutes.
Average Delay: The average delay is calculated by considering flights that arrive early as having a delay of 0 minutes. Early arrivals do not contribute to reducing the average delay calculation