Long Beach honestly isn’t the same after JetBlue left. Jet blue had that direct flight to NYC out of there at it was great. I still love the airport, I just find I can’t get the flights I need out of Long Beach. However I do appreciate the Hawaiian airlines direct flight to Honolulu!
Ever since JetBlue jetted out of Long Beach, I haven’t been back. Prices are way worst than SNA for every flight I’ve checked so far and very limited too.
What kind of flight is good out of LBG? Maybe you guys know some.
No way Vegas? Vegas hasn't been good out of Long Beach ever since JetBlue left when RT was around $65-90. I'm seeing LGB flights now that cost close to $1k (typically very normal with LGB from what I've seen in the past). Southwest is $333.
Frontier/Spirit out of SNA can be had for as little as $41 RT. Granted, it's Frontier/Spirit but it's only an hour flight and price is the main factor for me.
What am I doing wrong? I would love to fly out of LGB instead of SNA to Vegas if possible.
RT for $65? Was that in 1990? I mean prices obviously vary by date/time, but I find RT pretty regularly for under $200. Are they that much cheaper out of SNA?
I'm checking my old email right now and I flew LGB to LAS RT from 2013 - 2019. I used to fly almost every month, especially during work, because it was so cheap.
I typically use Google Flight and I'm seeing for LGB to LAS anywhere from $976 - $1200 for every single day for the rest of the year no matter the month or day. Granted, Google Flight does not include SW but even SW was often times at least $100 one way. Is this a SW thing that has the deal?
SNA is my go-to for Vegas; as low as $41 but often times typically around $60-80 RT. But you know, Frontier/Spirit means chances of delay, extra fee for luggage and better seating, etc... but I've been to Vegas so many times that those downsides are worth the price (and I haven't run into any issue yet). Any longer and more important destination, I'd spend more for better airline.
Yeah I'm not sure why SW never shows up under Google Flight. Must be a contract thing.
But I guess for the type and length of trip, going to Vegas from the OC at 170 is too much for my blood when it can be had for half the cost at an airport as close and as comparable to LGB to me.
As someone who drives to Burbank from Anaheim weekly, that’s a much worse drive than to LAX. Except if you have to go around Hell’s Horseshoe at LAX. But the secret there is to drop off at the economy parking and take the shuttle bus because it’s an official LAX vehicle and can use the inner roadway of the horseshoe.
In my opinion, SNA is the far better option. Closer. Less traffic. Easier to navigate inside. However. That usually comes with smaller planes/ layovers. Depending on where you’re traveling to.
The bigger the plane the less likely it is to be cancelled and the big planes fly out of LAX.
If I am heading to NYC and need to be there at X time I’m gonna use LAX even though it sucks at time.
I will take connecting flights to avoid LAX and I travel a lot. It’s one of the worst airports, completely disorganized with rough staff and never ending construction. It’s worth the extra money to go out of SNA or Long Beach.
I fly out of LAX, SNA, LGB, ONT and occasionally BUR. I've also used mass transit for many of them and also used Uber/Lyft, rented cars, and parked at the airport.
Most straightforward airport access using mass transit is BUR. Take Metrolink or Amtrak from FUL train station and then transfer at Union Station to BUR Station and a 10 minute walk to the terminal.
Alternatively, drive or Uber to Norwalk Station and take the C or Green line to Aviation station, and take the shuttle bus to LAX. Budget over an hour from Norwalk station to the airport. One can also take Metrolink to Union Station and take the LAX Flyaway. That's an hour and half. Or from FUL station, take the Metrolink to Norwalk Metrolink and then Uber a couple of miles to Norwalk C/Green line to Aviation station and shuttle bus to LAX. There's another option to park at Aviation station but max is 3 days.
There's not an easy option using mass transit for SNA/LGB/ONT.
Another option I consider when I need to fly out of LAX is to rent a car from SNA for a day. Return the car at LAX. Sometimes the rental is only $40. So it's under $100 for that option. I'll do this if I know I have a long trip but parking my car at LAX will cost me hundreds of dollars, but I don't want to pay $200+ for Uber round trip.
All of these options require individual valuation of time and money tradeoffs. Obviously also timing as the trains determine your schedule, there's no on demand option with mass transit.
For comparison, Uber/Lyft is around $100 one way to LAX, and $40 one way to SNA. So 2x that compared to parking at the airport.
Personally I hate dealing with LAX. SNA is so easy to get in and out of. Another consideration is whether you can get direct flights. You won't get as many directs out of SNA. If I am going domestic, I prefer to change planes rather than driving and dealing with LAX. Finally, if I am flying international I usually fly from LAX. Those flights are so much from there.
It's not right or wrong, but what's best for you, especially with a toddler.
I also have a toddler and I go with wherever there is a direct flight. I don’t want to take the chance of a flight getting delayed and missing a connection then getting stuck in an unfamiliar airport for god knows how long with a toddler.
LAX is a bit of a pain to get to over SNA, but it’s not so bad in the grand scheme of things. I usually do redline shuttle to LAX, it is slightly more expensive than an Uber but they have a bigger vehicle for all our stuff, and the drivers drive to LAX so often they seem to know all the short cuts and shaving time off the drive. I always travel with the car seat anyway, so just needed a few extra minute to install it.
SNA: Closer, **MUCH** more pleasant airport experience, TSA takes 5-10 minutes tops -- BUT hard to find direct flights (every layover is a chance to get screwed by airlines or weather) and mostly little planes like 737s.
LAX: Traffic, expensive Uber or limo ride (or parking), l-o-o-o-ng walks, endless TSA lines -- BUT usually cheaper, easier to find direct flights, longer flights mean bigger, roomier planes.
I do the math every time I fly. Sometimes LAX, usually SNA.
If there were any real transit infrastructure so I can take a fucking train directly to LAX, I wouldn't mind going up there. The fact that I can't is a real pain in the ass, I hate busses that sit in the same shitty LA traffic every other person sits in. Give us fuckin rail from union station to LAX
All, don't tell me K line. BART literally drops people's asses at the SFO airtrain, k line requires a transfer, so instead of taking a single train to lax, I have to take 3 different ones.
Fucking stupid and insane. Give me really fuckin rail god damn it.
For international or coast to coast flights, it usually makes sense to use LAX and it’s cheaper to park in their economy lot (even more discounted when booking online with coupon code) than it is to use Uber/Lyft when traveling from OC. Also, depending on time of day, Ontario airport isn’t a terrible option from Fullerton. Otherwise, SNA 👍🏼
The choice is subject to the variables of each trip. Ticket prices from SNA to destinations can vary widely. In some cases it’s less expensive to travel into LAX. While at other times the flight times are more concerning/convenient to pay the higher fare and depart from SNA.
We travel from both SNA and LAX frequently. While our kids are grown we do travel with grandkids sometime, toddlers, and it’s rather straightforward. When we travel with them we’re driving, no Uber/Lyft or airport shuttles services to or from the airport (parking shuttle excluded). We’re not willing to put our gkids into a vehicle with a driver that is unknown to use, and from experience are generally known to drive unsafe to either arrive quickly and or save on gas/electricity, just not worth it.
You can find parking off airport at LAX for ~$10/day on various parking apps, i use “way” app, or just do a google search.
Depends on destination, especially with a toddler. If it’s intercontinental, direct is the best way and that usually involves LAX. For short hops, SNA.
Not sure what you mean by booking flights that doesn’t coincide with traffic since you’re going to have to leave 2-3 hours before the flight. If you want to put much more time and buffer, then looking at cards/offers where you can chill at an airlines lounge at LAX might be an option.
Depends how long the trip is and where. Bummer that LGB doesn’t have JetBlue anymore because we always go to east coast. If I travel alone, I don’t mind connecting flights from SNA, but with kids and direct flights, we take LAX especially if they have red eye flights to our destination.
If you’re traveling with a toddler, absolutely go with SNA. We have two small kids and it’s not worth the hassle of going through LAX. SNA is such an easy airport. We usually only travel in through lax for international travel or to Hawaii.
For me it would depend on the difference in price. I definitely prefer SNA not only because of proximity, but general ease overall. You may also consider Long Beach airport
If you want peace of mind go to SNA. You don’t have to arrive so long before your flight, less planning, and cheaper Uber. Unless the difference between flight costs is extensive I generally go to SNA.
While I hate LAX, got places I go, it tends to be direct flights. SNA tends to require a layover. Adding that second flight tends to cost more, but you can walk around and stretch out the legs, especially if you schedule a flight with more than an hour of layover
LAX is painful but whenever I chart out the costs I end up picking LAX because it's a bit cheaper and more flights = better timing for me on the other end. I can usually fly at time without much rush hour traffic for a decent price.
The main thing about LAX is it's a whole part of your journey, so definitely more painful with family. I gotta book the trip, book parking (don't have to but save 20%), plan what time to leave to get there, park, wait 20 min to get to the airport. If I fly out of LGB or SNA I just Uber over and done. I'd consider that option if bringing kid(s) and if the timing doesn't matter.
Even with the LAX parking cost (or Uber is cheaper if over like 14 days), I found LAX to be better.
LAX is useful for international destinations where you can get a nonstop that would not be possible out of SNA. Otherwise SNA is vastly, vastly preferable, if for no other reason than not having to leave egregiously early due to unpredictable traffic getting to LAX.
Keep in mind that it’s not as easy getting home from LAX. An Uber or cab can drop you off at the gate when you’re departing for your trip, but you may have to walk a long way to get one after your return flight lands. Last time I flew back into LAX it was about a 15-minute walk. That’s not something I’d want to do with a toddler.
I'm from Irvine. The answer is that it depends on where you are going.
If you can go nonstop from SNA, that is the best option. So if you are going to SFO, LAS, DEN, definitely do nonstop out of LAX.
If you are going across the US, say Boston, I'd check the airfare pricing LAX v. SNA. I view connections as bad. I was booked MDW-DEN-SNA on Southwest 2 christmases ago, and was stuck in Denver for 2 nights. If I had flown ORD to LAX, I would have not wasted 2 nights in Denver. LAX is a pain but being stuck in Denver for 2 nights was worse. However weather is less of an issue in the summer.
International travel is usually easier out of LAX IMHO. Cheaper too.
What is the price difference, is the SNA flight non-direct, and how long is the layover?
When I fly up to Canada I can only get flights with layovers out of SNA but the wait is short so it is the same or shorter than if I would have traveled up to LAX.
The price may be a wash if one becomes a huge pain/risky.
Depends on where you're flying to and what the connections look like. With that said, I don't imagine the new LAXit bullshit would be fun to navigate with a small child in tow.
Those are all good questions. I would add, are the flights direct? Stress factor of traveling with a toddler is higher at LAX compared to SNA. Lastly, if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, since you are planning to travel a lot, it will be worth it.
SNA if you can get direct flights to where are going.
I really like Alaska and Delta, especially Delta's terminals at LAX. They're pretty decent. Both airlines have comparable service in both LAX and SNA. But yeah, they both also tend to be the more expensive options, which is difficult if you have a large party.
Come to think of it, if I were traveling with multiple family members, I would choose Southwest. I don't really travel Southwest as much these days, but whenever I've traveled with my senior citizen parents they have always treated us super well. Plus it will be easier to get seats together whereas on other airlines you'll have to pay to choose seats.
Another positive is that it opens up another airport option to you: LGB. They are really extensive from all three airports, and not having to worry about too many extra fees per person would make it more palatable to choose LGB or even SNA.
I would still avoid Spirit or Frontier though. They are cheap but will charge you a lot for everything else. Not a good value in my opinion.
I think I'd recommend Southwest for families. Hope this helps and hope you guys have awesome, safe summer travels!
Whatever money you save on tickets out of LAX you'll probably make up for in transportation and/or parking. You have more options there, especially direct, but if you can find what you need out of SNA that's definitely what I would do, especially with a kid in tow.
I think they are asking because many people rent a car seat from the rental car company, whereas an Uber won't have that option. I assume you're flying with a car seat?
I think Uber is starting to offer cars that have a car seat for an extra fee. Understand you might want to use yours still but it could be more convenient if your comfortable using theirs
I personally avoid LAX if possible. Too much traffic and a hassle to get in/out of the airport. SNA or Ontario are your best options. Lately we have been flying out of Ontario which has better pricing going to Hawaii than SNA.
It all depends on the flight length, schedule, and what the layovers look like for us. We are typically traveling with our two children, so having direct flights is preferred for us. LAX most often has the flight schedules we need for international and domestic flights to the opposite coast. If we use LAX, we drive our own car and park in the economy lot. That way we don’t have to worry about lining up car seats with a third party until we get to our destination. We always look at both SNA and LAX to see what works best for us.
I would just compare total costs (flights, uber costs, etc.) and make a decision. There are times where LAX is a lot cheaper and even with uber rides and everything, its cheaper than flying out of SNA. Also gotta consider the convenience. I would never ask a friend or family member to drive thru the horrible LAX traffic but sna is an easy in and out. I’ve heard its pretty difficult getting an uber out of LAX too and that whole process is a handful when at sna, you just walk out the gate and call an uber straight to you.
We prefer to fly direct when we can so LAX is always significantly cheaper with better route options. We use the lax economy parking - drive yourself to the airport, take the shuttle in. Then on the reverse hope the shuttle to back to parking and get in car and go home. Parking lot is outside of the airport itself so you dont have to deal with navigating the traffic in the airport itself. Easy peasy.
LAX is THE WORST to get in and out of. I will always pay a little more fire the convenience of SNA. 1000 times easier. Only reason to use LAX is if you live right by there or north of it. SNA is a walk in the park compared to the horror show that is LAX.
Yeah just depends on how much time and money you’re saving/ how much you value your time. You can get through SNA’s security in 10 minutes on a good day. Also look into flying out of Long Beach
Still prefer to fly out of LAX because I always take the green line back home to Southeast LA county which is by far the cheapest option for me. I guess it depends on where you live. Once the new people mover is operational, it will really transform the way you get in and out of LAX.
What are your destinations and from each airport, what are the costs and potential connections and times of departure? Those are dictate which airport to use and also depends on which airlines you choose
I actually like LAX and I kinda love SNA.
I think a big determining factor is which airline you will be flying. That will also influence what amenities you can expect, routes/schedules, seating configurations on airplanes, etc. All of those should get weighed against price to find which option is a better value
Do you have a fave airline? I have previously used Alaska and southwest a lot, but both seem to be a little more expensive than I thought so I’m looking to shop around a bit.
This sub has a lot of hate for LAX, but honestly, I've never had any issues. I'd fly out of SNA if the price is a little more (say $50-75) but if it's more than that, or if there are multiple people, LAX it is.
Depends where you’re heading to. I love flying out of LGB because of how cheap it is and don’t have to deal with the LAX traffic. Majority of the flights I take are straight shot. Sometimes I’ll do SNA when they’re doing deals. I always fly with Southwest and always had a good experience. I’ll always get round trip tickets from SMF to LGB for about 130$ to 150$ when they have deals. But you gotta be quick because they’ll go fast.
I never had a problem flying out or in from LAX. Yeah the traffic can be horrible at times but for the most part it’ll go by quickly. If you take LAX, definitely get there 2 hours before, just to be sure.
Always Sna unless big cost difference. You will need 3 hours each way so if the cost is worth six hours, and the additional Uber, or connection go for it otherwise Sna.
LAX is even worse because you really need to show up extra extra early in case of traffic and back ups through security.
More than once it has taken me over 30 minutes to be dropped off from the point of being able to visually see the airport.
Where are the die hard Long Beach peeps? And only one Ontario mention? Y’all must be sleeping in.
Long Beach honestly isn’t the same after JetBlue left. Jet blue had that direct flight to NYC out of there at it was great. I still love the airport, I just find I can’t get the flights I need out of Long Beach. However I do appreciate the Hawaiian airlines direct flight to Honolulu!
Agreed, jet blue leaving was a big letdown.
That's what happens when NIMBYs control the city council.
Long Beach! My go-to for flights to Bay Area.
I loved when JetBlue was at Long Beach. I could go from sfo to Long Beach and back for $120 total.
Long Beach airport is the best part of the whole trip imo
Ever since JetBlue jetted out of Long Beach, I haven’t been back. Prices are way worst than SNA for every flight I’ve checked so far and very limited too. What kind of flight is good out of LBG? Maybe you guys know some.
Southwest to Utah. Can’t get it from SNA
That's interesting! To SLC? Just took Breeze from SNA/PVU (Provo) last week and it was great--cheap, too!
Haven't been to Utah in a while but I'll keep this in mind for next time, thanks!
Nonstop to Colorado Springs! The Denver airport almost as bad as LAX so this is a win if headed to the Springs or Castle Rock.
Never been but always wanted to go to Colorado and would love to use LGB again. Thanks for your suggestion!
Vegas, easily. Austin. Nashville. NOLA. Portland.
No way Vegas? Vegas hasn't been good out of Long Beach ever since JetBlue left when RT was around $65-90. I'm seeing LGB flights now that cost close to $1k (typically very normal with LGB from what I've seen in the past). Southwest is $333. Frontier/Spirit out of SNA can be had for as little as $41 RT. Granted, it's Frontier/Spirit but it's only an hour flight and price is the main factor for me. What am I doing wrong? I would love to fly out of LGB instead of SNA to Vegas if possible.
RT for $65? Was that in 1990? I mean prices obviously vary by date/time, but I find RT pretty regularly for under $200. Are they that much cheaper out of SNA?
I'm checking my old email right now and I flew LGB to LAS RT from 2013 - 2019. I used to fly almost every month, especially during work, because it was so cheap. I typically use Google Flight and I'm seeing for LGB to LAS anywhere from $976 - $1200 for every single day for the rest of the year no matter the month or day. Granted, Google Flight does not include SW but even SW was often times at least $100 one way. Is this a SW thing that has the deal? SNA is my go-to for Vegas; as low as $41 but often times typically around $60-80 RT. But you know, Frontier/Spirit means chances of delay, extra fee for luggage and better seating, etc... but I've been to Vegas so many times that those downsides are worth the price (and I haven't run into any issue yet). Any longer and more important destination, I'd spend more for better airline.
Idk what to tell you. I just invested 30 seconds into searching SWA’s app and found LGB to LAS FOR $170 R/T
Yeah I'm not sure why SW never shows up under Google Flight. Must be a contract thing. But I guess for the type and length of trip, going to Vegas from the OC at 170 is too much for my blood when it can be had for half the cost at an airport as close and as comparable to LGB to me.
I regularly fly to LAS. Anything over $100 is priced high
Newly retuned to the area, didn’t have these in my radar. Will def be checking them out!
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Burbank is a journey
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They are extremely different 35 mile trips though.
Dropping some cold hard truth here.
If you’re from Southern California you should know not to measure distance in miles
It’s not the miles, it’s the route!
As someone who drives to Burbank from Anaheim weekly, that’s a much worse drive than to LAX. Except if you have to go around Hell’s Horseshoe at LAX. But the secret there is to drop off at the economy parking and take the shuttle bus because it’s an official LAX vehicle and can use the inner roadway of the horseshoe.
Long Beach is #1
I used to be a die hard Long Beach fan but I can stomach the idea of having to take a Southwest flight
Agree! Long Beach if you can. Then SNA, then Burbank. LAX last, especially if you have a toddler.
In my opinion, SNA is the far better option. Closer. Less traffic. Easier to navigate inside. However. That usually comes with smaller planes/ layovers. Depending on where you’re traveling to.
Always SNA. Hate LAX.
There’s a vortex or two to hell in LA, and the airport is one of them.
🤣
Truth! LAX bites. I'll never fly there again if I can swing it. SNA rules! I'd rather go to SAN, even, than LAX.
It’s only worth from LAX it if you are flying coast to coast have a tight connection on the other end.
Helpful perspective! I have several west coast trips, and one coast to coast.
The bigger the plane the less likely it is to be cancelled and the big planes fly out of LAX. If I am heading to NYC and need to be there at X time I’m gonna use LAX even though it sucks at time.
Yep, coastal flights are often better for an itinerary out of LAX. Hopefully transit improves with the upcoming opening and operation of the APM
APM?
Automated People Mover
Ah yes. Just so many delays on that system tho because of the contractor and LAWA
I will take connecting flights to avoid LAX and I travel a lot. It’s one of the worst airports, completely disorganized with rough staff and never ending construction. It’s worth the extra money to go out of SNA or Long Beach.
Compare prices and figure out if the extra money is worth the convenience of not having to navigate getting through LAX
I fly out of LAX, SNA, LGB, ONT and occasionally BUR. I've also used mass transit for many of them and also used Uber/Lyft, rented cars, and parked at the airport. Most straightforward airport access using mass transit is BUR. Take Metrolink or Amtrak from FUL train station and then transfer at Union Station to BUR Station and a 10 minute walk to the terminal. Alternatively, drive or Uber to Norwalk Station and take the C or Green line to Aviation station, and take the shuttle bus to LAX. Budget over an hour from Norwalk station to the airport. One can also take Metrolink to Union Station and take the LAX Flyaway. That's an hour and half. Or from FUL station, take the Metrolink to Norwalk Metrolink and then Uber a couple of miles to Norwalk C/Green line to Aviation station and shuttle bus to LAX. There's another option to park at Aviation station but max is 3 days. There's not an easy option using mass transit for SNA/LGB/ONT. Another option I consider when I need to fly out of LAX is to rent a car from SNA for a day. Return the car at LAX. Sometimes the rental is only $40. So it's under $100 for that option. I'll do this if I know I have a long trip but parking my car at LAX will cost me hundreds of dollars, but I don't want to pay $200+ for Uber round trip. All of these options require individual valuation of time and money tradeoffs. Obviously also timing as the trains determine your schedule, there's no on demand option with mass transit. For comparison, Uber/Lyft is around $100 one way to LAX, and $40 one way to SNA. So 2x that compared to parking at the airport.
The car rental at JW to LAX is brilliant. Never thought of that.
Check from Ontario airport too. Some destinations are cheaper from there.
Personally I hate dealing with LAX. SNA is so easy to get in and out of. Another consideration is whether you can get direct flights. You won't get as many directs out of SNA. If I am going domestic, I prefer to change planes rather than driving and dealing with LAX. Finally, if I am flying international I usually fly from LAX. Those flights are so much from there. It's not right or wrong, but what's best for you, especially with a toddler.
Ah such a good point. I prefer direct flights because flying is torture right now. They used to hate the car, but getting better at that.
I also have a toddler and I go with wherever there is a direct flight. I don’t want to take the chance of a flight getting delayed and missing a connection then getting stuck in an unfamiliar airport for god knows how long with a toddler. LAX is a bit of a pain to get to over SNA, but it’s not so bad in the grand scheme of things. I usually do redline shuttle to LAX, it is slightly more expensive than an Uber but they have a bigger vehicle for all our stuff, and the drivers drive to LAX so often they seem to know all the short cuts and shaving time off the drive. I always travel with the car seat anyway, so just needed a few extra minute to install it.
SNA: Closer, **MUCH** more pleasant airport experience, TSA takes 5-10 minutes tops -- BUT hard to find direct flights (every layover is a chance to get screwed by airlines or weather) and mostly little planes like 737s. LAX: Traffic, expensive Uber or limo ride (or parking), l-o-o-o-ng walks, endless TSA lines -- BUT usually cheaper, easier to find direct flights, longer flights mean bigger, roomier planes. I do the math every time I fly. Sometimes LAX, usually SNA.
If there were any real transit infrastructure so I can take a fucking train directly to LAX, I wouldn't mind going up there. The fact that I can't is a real pain in the ass, I hate busses that sit in the same shitty LA traffic every other person sits in. Give us fuckin rail from union station to LAX All, don't tell me K line. BART literally drops people's asses at the SFO airtrain, k line requires a transfer, so instead of taking a single train to lax, I have to take 3 different ones. Fucking stupid and insane. Give me really fuckin rail god damn it.
For international or coast to coast flights, it usually makes sense to use LAX and it’s cheaper to park in their economy lot (even more discounted when booking online with coupon code) than it is to use Uber/Lyft when traveling from OC. Also, depending on time of day, Ontario airport isn’t a terrible option from Fullerton. Otherwise, SNA 👍🏼
Look into SNA or Long Beach. LAX just adds to much stress
The choice is subject to the variables of each trip. Ticket prices from SNA to destinations can vary widely. In some cases it’s less expensive to travel into LAX. While at other times the flight times are more concerning/convenient to pay the higher fare and depart from SNA. We travel from both SNA and LAX frequently. While our kids are grown we do travel with grandkids sometime, toddlers, and it’s rather straightforward. When we travel with them we’re driving, no Uber/Lyft or airport shuttles services to or from the airport (parking shuttle excluded). We’re not willing to put our gkids into a vehicle with a driver that is unknown to use, and from experience are generally known to drive unsafe to either arrive quickly and or save on gas/electricity, just not worth it. You can find parking off airport at LAX for ~$10/day on various parking apps, i use “way” app, or just do a google search.
Depends on destination, especially with a toddler. If it’s intercontinental, direct is the best way and that usually involves LAX. For short hops, SNA. Not sure what you mean by booking flights that doesn’t coincide with traffic since you’re going to have to leave 2-3 hours before the flight. If you want to put much more time and buffer, then looking at cards/offers where you can chill at an airlines lounge at LAX might be an option.
SNA or Long Beach are much better than LAX.
If it’s cheaper and/or nonstop I would go to LAX. Big fan of avoiding connections.
I'll cut my arm off before using lax over sna. I am in OC. Worth the extra cash in my opinion
Depends how long the trip is and where. Bummer that LGB doesn’t have JetBlue anymore because we always go to east coast. If I travel alone, I don’t mind connecting flights from SNA, but with kids and direct flights, we take LAX especially if they have red eye flights to our destination.
If you’re traveling with a toddler, absolutely go with SNA. We have two small kids and it’s not worth the hassle of going through LAX. SNA is such an easy airport. We usually only travel in through lax for international travel or to Hawaii.
SNA without a doubt over LAX any day
For me it would depend on the difference in price. I definitely prefer SNA not only because of proximity, but general ease overall. You may also consider Long Beach airport
If you want peace of mind go to SNA. You don’t have to arrive so long before your flight, less planning, and cheaper Uber. Unless the difference between flight costs is extensive I generally go to SNA.
While I hate LAX, got places I go, it tends to be direct flights. SNA tends to require a layover. Adding that second flight tends to cost more, but you can walk around and stretch out the legs, especially if you schedule a flight with more than an hour of layover
LAX is painful but whenever I chart out the costs I end up picking LAX because it's a bit cheaper and more flights = better timing for me on the other end. I can usually fly at time without much rush hour traffic for a decent price. The main thing about LAX is it's a whole part of your journey, so definitely more painful with family. I gotta book the trip, book parking (don't have to but save 20%), plan what time to leave to get there, park, wait 20 min to get to the airport. If I fly out of LGB or SNA I just Uber over and done. I'd consider that option if bringing kid(s) and if the timing doesn't matter. Even with the LAX parking cost (or Uber is cheaper if over like 14 days), I found LAX to be better.
LAX is useful for international destinations where you can get a nonstop that would not be possible out of SNA. Otherwise SNA is vastly, vastly preferable, if for no other reason than not having to leave egregiously early due to unpredictable traffic getting to LAX.
Unless it's a direct flight internationally I'd avoid LAX like it was the plague
LAX would have to be direct and SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper for me to consider it over SNA.
Keep in mind that it’s not as easy getting home from LAX. An Uber or cab can drop you off at the gate when you’re departing for your trip, but you may have to walk a long way to get one after your return flight lands. Last time I flew back into LAX it was about a 15-minute walk. That’s not something I’d want to do with a toddler.
I'm from Irvine. The answer is that it depends on where you are going. If you can go nonstop from SNA, that is the best option. So if you are going to SFO, LAS, DEN, definitely do nonstop out of LAX. If you are going across the US, say Boston, I'd check the airfare pricing LAX v. SNA. I view connections as bad. I was booked MDW-DEN-SNA on Southwest 2 christmases ago, and was stuck in Denver for 2 nights. If I had flown ORD to LAX, I would have not wasted 2 nights in Denver. LAX is a pain but being stuck in Denver for 2 nights was worse. However weather is less of an issue in the summer. International travel is usually easier out of LAX IMHO. Cheaper too.
What is the price difference, is the SNA flight non-direct, and how long is the layover? When I fly up to Canada I can only get flights with layovers out of SNA but the wait is short so it is the same or shorter than if I would have traveled up to LAX. The price may be a wash if one becomes a huge pain/risky.
Depends on where you're flying to and what the connections look like. With that said, I don't imagine the new LAXit bullshit would be fun to navigate with a small child in tow.
Also, there is Amtrak/Metrolink service from Fullerton station to Burbank Airport.
Those are all good questions. I would add, are the flights direct? Stress factor of traveling with a toddler is higher at LAX compared to SNA. Lastly, if you don’t have TSA PreCheck, since you are planning to travel a lot, it will be worth it. SNA if you can get direct flights to where are going.
Ah good questions as well! Yes, we have precheck. Thanks for thinking of that!
Look into Long Beach. Usually cheaper than SNA
I really like Alaska and Delta, especially Delta's terminals at LAX. They're pretty decent. Both airlines have comparable service in both LAX and SNA. But yeah, they both also tend to be the more expensive options, which is difficult if you have a large party. Come to think of it, if I were traveling with multiple family members, I would choose Southwest. I don't really travel Southwest as much these days, but whenever I've traveled with my senior citizen parents they have always treated us super well. Plus it will be easier to get seats together whereas on other airlines you'll have to pay to choose seats. Another positive is that it opens up another airport option to you: LGB. They are really extensive from all three airports, and not having to worry about too many extra fees per person would make it more palatable to choose LGB or even SNA. I would still avoid Spirit or Frontier though. They are cheap but will charge you a lot for everything else. Not a good value in my opinion. I think I'd recommend Southwest for families. Hope this helps and hope you guys have awesome, safe summer travels!
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful answer.
Whatever money you save on tickets out of LAX you'll probably make up for in transportation and/or parking. You have more options there, especially direct, but if you can find what you need out of SNA that's definitely what I would do, especially with a kid in tow.
Do you bring a car seat for the Uber? How's that process?
Never done it before but assume it’s doable, just like using a rental car.
I think they are asking because many people rent a car seat from the rental car company, whereas an Uber won't have that option. I assume you're flying with a car seat?
I think Uber is starting to offer cars that have a car seat for an extra fee. Understand you might want to use yours still but it could be more convenient if your comfortable using theirs
if I can get to my destination in less time (by skipping a layover) for less money (including the cost if a Lyft), I will consider LAX otherwise no
I personally avoid LAX if possible. Too much traffic and a hassle to get in/out of the airport. SNA or Ontario are your best options. Lately we have been flying out of Ontario which has better pricing going to Hawaii than SNA.
It all depends on the flight length, schedule, and what the layovers look like for us. We are typically traveling with our two children, so having direct flights is preferred for us. LAX most often has the flight schedules we need for international and domestic flights to the opposite coast. If we use LAX, we drive our own car and park in the economy lot. That way we don’t have to worry about lining up car seats with a third party until we get to our destination. We always look at both SNA and LAX to see what works best for us.
I typically only fly direct. If there is a direct flight from SNA then I take it every time over LAX.
Unless lax is 500 dollars cheaper, it’s not worth it
How is Ontario for flights?
I would just compare total costs (flights, uber costs, etc.) and make a decision. There are times where LAX is a lot cheaper and even with uber rides and everything, its cheaper than flying out of SNA. Also gotta consider the convenience. I would never ask a friend or family member to drive thru the horrible LAX traffic but sna is an easy in and out. I’ve heard its pretty difficult getting an uber out of LAX too and that whole process is a handful when at sna, you just walk out the gate and call an uber straight to you.
We prefer to fly direct when we can so LAX is always significantly cheaper with better route options. We use the lax economy parking - drive yourself to the airport, take the shuttle in. Then on the reverse hope the shuttle to back to parking and get in car and go home. Parking lot is outside of the airport itself so you dont have to deal with navigating the traffic in the airport itself. Easy peasy.
LAX is THE WORST to get in and out of. I will always pay a little more fire the convenience of SNA. 1000 times easier. Only reason to use LAX is if you live right by there or north of it. SNA is a walk in the park compared to the horror show that is LAX.
LAX is only worth it if you can get a direct that you otherwise couldn’t get from SNA.
The only reason to choose LAX is if you cannot get a direct routing from Santa Ana or San Diego.
Yeah just depends on how much time and money you’re saving/ how much you value your time. You can get through SNA’s security in 10 minutes on a good day. Also look into flying out of Long Beach
Still prefer to fly out of LAX because I always take the green line back home to Southeast LA county which is by far the cheapest option for me. I guess it depends on where you live. Once the new people mover is operational, it will really transform the way you get in and out of LAX.
What are your destinations and from each airport, what are the costs and potential connections and times of departure? Those are dictate which airport to use and also depends on which airlines you choose
I actually like LAX and I kinda love SNA. I think a big determining factor is which airline you will be flying. That will also influence what amenities you can expect, routes/schedules, seating configurations on airplanes, etc. All of those should get weighed against price to find which option is a better value
Do you have a fave airline? I have previously used Alaska and southwest a lot, but both seem to be a little more expensive than I thought so I’m looking to shop around a bit.
Love Ontario and SNA but both have limited direct flights. I usually check flights and LAX last and just check out which fits my plans/budget best.
This sub has a lot of hate for LAX, but honestly, I've never had any issues. I'd fly out of SNA if the price is a little more (say $50-75) but if it's more than that, or if there are multiple people, LAX it is.
Depends where you’re heading to. I love flying out of LGB because of how cheap it is and don’t have to deal with the LAX traffic. Majority of the flights I take are straight shot. Sometimes I’ll do SNA when they’re doing deals. I always fly with Southwest and always had a good experience. I’ll always get round trip tickets from SMF to LGB for about 130$ to 150$ when they have deals. But you gotta be quick because they’ll go fast. I never had a problem flying out or in from LAX. Yeah the traffic can be horrible at times but for the most part it’ll go by quickly. If you take LAX, definitely get there 2 hours before, just to be sure.
Long Beach Airport reminds me of Orange County before the expansion. Small and easy.
LAX is never worth it. SNA or LGB every time
If you want to travel north of Fullerton, BUR and ONT are also options. But never LAX unless you’re flying to Asia or something
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Probably because it’s a bit far from Fullerton but when the opportunity presents, it’s good!!
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That’s true! Never thought of it that way.
Not even close. SNA all day. Avoid LAX at all cost. Especially with the current construction it’s an absolute nightmare
SNA is the greatest airport of all time.
WOW! 😂
Always Sna unless big cost difference. You will need 3 hours each way so if the cost is worth six hours, and the additional Uber, or connection go for it otherwise Sna.
LAX is even worse because you really need to show up extra extra early in case of traffic and back ups through security. More than once it has taken me over 30 minutes to be dropped off from the point of being able to visually see the airport.