Airport Choices

[Luv_Tink]

We're a family of five, three DDs ages 13, 10 and 8 and we're planning a trip to DLR the second week of April. We've only ever flown into SNA from Seattle. Right now the prices to SNA are much higher than LAX, Burbank and even Ontario. I've looked at several of the transportation options from each and it seems that no matter which we choose, we end up at about the same overall cost which is still less than flights into SNA. So, if you had a choice between LAX, Burbank and Ontario which would you choose?

 

[lalasmama]

Why not Long Beach (LGB)? It's by far my favorite, and always our first choice now.

 

[ParkHopper1]

LAX hands down. Burbank and Ontario would have to be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper to consider. If you have traffic, it is a stupid drive depending on when you arrive.

 

[SMD]

If you're starting at Universal or passing through Hollywood, BUR. Otherwise, LAX.

 

[tlovesdis]

I would check out Long Beach. We love flying in and out of there. It's about the same distance away as SNA, but super small and easy to get in and out of!

 

[Angrose]

Do not choose BUR. I, like you, thought it was a good deal being so much cheaper than SNA, but the traffic was horrible, even on the weekends, and I was stressed out the whole drive. I shoulda went with LAX.

 

[dcraythorn]

Long Beach (LGB) is so much better and normally, it does cost less to fly in there even over LAX.

 

[Luv_Tink]

Unfortunately, LGB appears to be way more expensive than even SNA right now and there are no direct flights so it doesn't make sense for us. I'll keep it in mind as we keep researching though.

 

[Huff]

BUR can have bad traffic during rush hour AM/PM but I-405 by LAX is a disaster at rush times as well. Heck, LA traffic is just bad everywhere during peak times. Depends on the day and time of travel. BUR and ONT are small airports that are very easy to get into and out of without huge crowds at rental counters etc. At BUR its a bit of a walk from car rental to gates but not bad. ONT is a short walk. BUR is a bit odd in that plane boarding and de-boarding is outdoor using roll up stairs or ramps like the old days. There are no jet ways at the gates.

ONT is 40 miles, BUR is 43 miles. My preference would be for ONT because of a generally easier drive and much smaller less crowded airport than LAX. Try to avoid rush hour no matter which airport.

If planning a day or two in San Diego then SAN airport might be an option. Fly into Disney area and out of SAN or vis-versa. SAN is 93 miles from DLR.

 

[Luv_Tink]

I probably should have mentioned we will not be renting a car on this trip, so we will be relying on a shuttle/car service from wherever we fly in and out of. DH drives a lot from job site to job site for work and it's his vacation too so we would rather not rent a car.

We're also flying in and out on Saturdays if that makes a difference traffic wise. I understand it's bad all over the LA/Anaheim area. We actually drove to DLR last summer in our RV, and the traffic and roads through Burbank especially were awful.

 

[chickapin parterre]

...so if you are not driving, then what issues do you have with any airport? If you look at the previous posts most of them have the word "drive". yet your entire group are passengers. My thought the question you should be asking, is what has the best arrival mechanisms and departure mechanism. When we were arriving in Ontario for the weekend in the first decade, I had no issue with traffic. 6years later traffic has become a problem so now we fly in LATE evening to SNA. What I like about SNA is that has easy departure mechanisms which are really good for not creating stress, which maybe why, that a once previous inexpensive airport is now expensive, it is a very easy airport.

 

[nikkislaght]

what do you consider to be more expensive..? we fly from Settle in either SNA or Long Beach.. bought our flights in Jan at $134.Alaska and currently getting alerts for approx $142.. to $190 depending on the day of the week..and depending on the airline.. we go between Alaska and Jetblue for great service..

also either SNA or LB you can get a reg taxi or passenger van flat rate for $45. plus tip..
some say Uber.. are better and cheaper.. never used them though..

lol I kept editing this post.. we arrive the 12th April ..

 

[Luv_Tink]

Flying into SNA with direct flights right now is over $1500 for our family of 5. I can fly into LAX or BUR for around $1100 -1200. Part of the problem is we prefer direct, non-stop flights due to a couple of nervous fliers.

And as I stated it's not necessarily the drive or the traffic that concerns me since we won't be doing the driving ourselves. Of course I would love to get to our hotel quickly but as stated in my original post I just wanted opinions on which airports people would choose. Perhaps I should have asked about the ease of navigating, transportation options, etc. but I didn't, sorry. I don't have an "issue" with any particular airport as the only one I've ever used in the area is SNA. I just need to be able to get three kids through the airport with relative ease.

 

[nikkislaght]

Flying into SNA with direct flights right now is over $1500 for our family of 5. I can fly into LAX or BUR for around $1100 -1200. Part of the problem is we prefer direct, non-stop flights due to a couple of nervous fliers.

And as I stated it's not necessarily the drive or the traffic that concerns me since we won't be doing the driving ourselves. Of course I would love to get to our hotel quickly but as stated in my original post I just wanted opinions on which airports people would choose. Perhaps I should have aske about the ease of navigating, transportation options, etc. but I didn't, sorry. I don't have an "issue" with any particular airport as the only one I've ever used in the area is SNA. I just need to be able to get three kids through the airport with relative ease.

Dang thats a lot of Disney Dollars.. ouch.. I have only used LAX to fly international. and therefor when transferring flights, my bags go straight through.. from what I can see LAX is busy all the time domestic.. as stated above both SNA and Long beach are great easy airports to navigate with littles.. as you said you have used SNA .. and Long Beach will be just as easy. hope you all have a great trip

 

[tlovesdis]

Since LB won't work for you, I would choose LAX. Burbank and Ontario are pretty far out and I'm guessing from Seattle you should be able to get a direct flight into LAX!

 

[chickapin parterre]

ah....the nervous fliers....I have one of those, and yes, that makes simple choices more difficult. And being that you have been to SNA, i can understand the problem. What about the 10:00 pm into Burbank? That would be a quick trip to the park, easy family affair but the return trip is going to require a good chunk of time

 

[sheetz]

I first go by price. If those are all roughly the same then I choose the one with most convenient flight schedules. If those are the same then go for the closest.

 

[chickapin parterre]

so if you overlay Seattle on to L.A. this is what I see.
Federal way is Disneyland.
SNA is Tacoma,
Space needle LAX,
Everett Burbank,
Issaquah is Ontario

 

[goooof1]

I think transportation to DLR from LAX offers more and better options.....DL Express Bus and shuttles like PrimeTime are available (the bus) and cheaper (shuttles).

 

[Luv_Tink]

Thanks all, this gives us some good information to work with as we stalk airfare. Still hoping for a better fare into SNA, but we'll have to make a decision at some point.