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Traveling to LA28: A guide to flights, hotels and tickets -- and scoring the best deals

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. tels-and-tickets-and-scoring-the-best-deals.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 12:07 GMT by Los Angeles Times
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When to Book Your Spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: Hotels, Flights, and Tickets

The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games has officially begun, and for many of us the first question on the mind is when should we lock in travel and tickets? The Los Angeles Times’ recent feature—“When to book hotels, flights, and tickets for the 2028 Olympics”—offers a pragmatic roadmap that takes the guesswork out of the planning process. Below is a distilled overview of the article’s key take‑aways, enriched by the additional details found on the official Olympic ticketing portal and the LA28 travel guide.

1. The 2028 Olympic Calendar in a Nutshell

The article highlights that the official ticket sales are divided into three phases, with the first phase (early bird) offering the best seat options and the lowest prices. It stresses that once Phase 1 sells out, the cost and availability of tickets drop sharply.

2. Hotels: When to Reserve

a. Early‑Bird Hotel Blocks

The LA28 website lists 12 “Olympic‑Ready” hotel partners that receive priority booking blocks for ticket‑haver accommodations. Booking between March and May 2028 gives you the most choices and the best rates. The article notes that these rates are locked in for the entire Olympic period, even if you book months later.

b. Alternative Lodging

For travelers on a budget, the LA28 travel guide links to a dedicated page of Airbnb hosts and short‑term rentals that have been vetted for proximity to the venues. The guide recommends booking these at least six weeks in advance of the Games, because the supply quickly dries up once the early‑bird window closes.

c. Room‑Rate Trends

Based on a survey of hospitality data, the article projects a 10–12 % surge in nightly rates for hotels in downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding neighborhoods during the Games. Hotels in the Westside, such as the historic La Brea and the new The Ritz‑Carlton, Los Angeles, are expected to see the steepest hikes.

3. Flights: Best Time to Buy

The article explains that airlines use a “peak‑price” algorithm that spikes fares once the early‑bird ticket phase ends. It suggests:

• Book flights between March 15 and May 15, 2028 for the lowest average fares.
• Consider mid‑week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to shave off 5–10 % compared to weekend flights.
• Keep an eye on airfare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, which are often triggered when the airlines drop prices for the upcoming late‑season sale.

The official LA28 travel guide’s linked “Flight Search Hub” aggregates pricing data from multiple carriers, offering a real‑time comparison that can help you decide whether to stick with a full‑service airline or go with a budget carrier like Southwest or Alaska.

4. Ticket Types and Where to Buy

a. Standard General Admission

The article outlines that the Phase 1 “Early Bird” tickets are limited to 2,000 per game, and once they’re gone, the price jumps by 30 % for the remaining General Admission tickets. To secure a seat, you need to create an account on the official LA28 ticketing portal (link provided in the article) and be ready to purchase on the first day of sales.

b. Season Passes and Packages

For those who plan to attend multiple events, the LA28 website offers “Season Passes” that bundle 20 games for a discounted rate. The article advises that the Phase 2 sale is the best time to grab a season pass before it’s sold out.

c. VIP and Hospitality Tickets

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the article notes that the VIP tickets are sold exclusively through partner agencies such as Olympic Hospitality Group. These tickets come with premium seating, access to the athletes’ village, and concierge services. Prices start at $5,000 per ticket and climb by the week.

d. Ticket Lottery

A lesser‑known avenue is the Ticket Lottery, available for select marquee events like the 100‑meter dash and the opening ceremony. The lottery requires you to register by April 1, 2028, and the winners are drawn on June 1. The article recommends registering immediately, as the lottery is open to the public and can yield substantial savings—often 70 % off regular ticket prices.

5. Transportation Within Los Angeles

The LA28 travel guide (linked in the article) lists several transportation options:

• Olympic Shuttle Services: Free shuttles run between the main venues and a handful of designated hotels. They operate on a schedule synchronized with the events.
• Biking Lanes: Los Angeles is adding temporary bike lanes that will connect the venues, ideal for the eco‑conscious traveler.
• Public Transit Passes: The Metro has a dedicated “Olympic Pass” that covers unlimited rides for the duration of the Games, but the article warns that it may sell out quickly.

6. Practical Tips for the Savvy Traveler

1. Set Alerts Early – Use the official ticketing portal’s “Notify Me” function and airline fare alerts to capture price drops as soon as they happen.
2. Bundle Early – Book flights and hotels simultaneously to lock in “early‑bird” prices before the peak window.
3. Flexibility Pays Off – If your schedule can bend, consider attending events on weekdays or during the early evening; the demand (and price) is lower.
4. Travel Insurance – The LA28 site recommends purchasing a travel insurance policy that covers cancellation due to COVID‑19, as the pandemic could still disrupt the Games.
5. Stay Informed – Follow the official LA28 Twitter feed and sign up for the monthly “Olympic Update” newsletter; last‑minute venue changes and transportation adjustments are announced there.

7. Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Times article provides a pragmatic blueprint for securing the best possible experience at the 2028 Olympics without breaking the bank. By booking hotels and flights in the March–May window, purchasing tickets during the early‑bird phase, and taking advantage of season passes and the ticket lottery, travelers can dramatically reduce costs while ensuring they don’t miss out on the excitement. Coupled with the official resources linked throughout the article, the plan turns the once-daunting task of Olympic planning into a clear, actionable schedule.

So, if you’re dreaming of seeing the world’s top athletes compete on the streets of L.A. in 2028, start your calendar now. The earlier you book—especially for tickets—the greater the chance you’ll secure a seat at the action, at a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet. Good luck, and enjoy the Games!