Rain Arrives in Southern California: What Travelers Should Expect at LAX, Long Beach & San Pedro This Month

Southern California finally got its first real taste of rain this season and as every local knows, the first storm always shakes things up. Slick roads, slower traffic, and airport backups all combine to create a busier travel environment than most people expect.

 

With the recent federal shutdown officially over, airlines and airports are steadily returning to normal operations. But some flight delays and staffing slowdowns remain, and experts expect the last of the disruptions to fade over the next week or two.

 

Whether you’re flying through LAX, heading to Long Beach or San Pedro cruise terminals, or traveling for the holidays, here’s what you need to know.

Why Rain Causes Bigger Delays in Southern California

 

Even a small amount of rain can create outsized delays here—and it’s not your imagination. California Highway Patrol reports that the first rain after long dry stretches is when accident rates spike the most.

 

Why?

  • Oil buildup rises to the surface → roads turn slick.

  • Drivers aren’t used to wet conditions.

  • Visibility drops quickly.

  • Traffic moves significantly slower on the 405, 105, 110, 91, and 710.

 

For airport travelers, this means:

  • Longer drive times to LAX and the cruise terminals

  • Crowded curbsides

  • Higher chance of gate and runway backups

 

On wet days, plan for 20–40 extra minutes of travel time, especially if you’re flying during peak hours.

The Shutdown Is Over But Minor Flight Delays Continue

 

The federal shutdown is behind us, but the ripple effects haven’t completely cleared. While operations are improving, SoCal travelers may still see:

  • Occasional baggage delays

  • Slower security lines

  • Gate holds while ground staff catch up

  • Temporary flight delays from understaffed ATC rotations

 

Industry updates suggest things should stabilize fully within the next 1–2 weeks.

 

During this transition period, having a reliable curbside transportation plan is more important than ever.

Cruise Travelers: Here’s What to Expect

 

If you’re cruising from Long Beach (Carnival) or San Pedro (Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Viking, Celebrity, etc.), stormy weekends can create:

  • Traffic jams entering the terminal

  • Long waits for Uber/Lyft

  • Delays in luggage loading areas

  • Tight boarding timelines

 

The good news?

Cruise departures rarely delay due to weather, so the key is simply arriving on time.

How Thomas Transportation Keeps You Moving, Rain or Shine

 

At Thomas Transportation, we prepare early for SoCal’s rainy season so our riders stay comfortable, safe, and on schedule.

 

Here’s what we do on every rainy-day operation:

 

✔ Curbside Pickup at All Terminals

 

No long walks in the rain, no confusion—just a clean handoff.

 

✔ Built-in Extra Time Buffers

 

We automatically add time on rainy days to keep you stress-free.

 

✔ Professional Drivers Used to SoCal Conditions

 

Our team knows every lane, detour, and weather pattern.

 

✔ Live Flight Monitoring

 

We track your arrival so we’re waiting when you land.

 

✔ Clean, Well-Maintained Vehicles

 

Wipers, tires, and defogging systems are checked before every shift.

 

✔ Child Seats Available by Request

 

For families flying with little ones.

 

Whether you’re heading to LAX, Ontario, John Wayne, Long Beach Airport, or the LA cruise ports, we make sure your ride is comfortable, safe, and reliable.

Travel Tips for a Smooth November Trip

 

Here are quick tips to stay ahead during the rainy season:

  • Leave earlier than normal for LAX, SNA, or LGB

  • Keep airline notifications turned on

  • Pack a light jacket—rain often means colder terminals

  • Expect longer curbside lines

  • Avoid relying on rideshare surges during storms

  • For cruisers: arrive at least 1 hour before your boarding window

Book Your Holiday Travel Early

 

November and Thanksgiving week are among the busiest travel periods of the year. The earlier you schedule, the smoother your trip will be—especially with unsettled weather and airport delays still clearing up.

 

If you need transportation to any airport or cruise terminal, we’d love to take care of you.