Direct to LAX, or connect to SNA

[jilld11]

We can fly direct into LAX from Edmonton and then shuttle to PVI from there, or change in Calgary from Edmonton into SNA and shuttle to PVI from there. I have never flown into SNA, so don't know the airport at all, but would assume it's much smaller and easier to get through. Me, DH, DS9, DD7 will be flying. They travel at least 2 or 3 times a year, usually to Mexico and are totally fine on the plane and are not a worry. Total time with all changes is 6hrs. 55mins. to SNA in at 11:39am. Total time with no change to LAX is 3hrs. 20mins. to LAX at 11:20am. About the same time on the return, but out of LAX at 12n or out of SNA at 12:30pm. Worth it to make the change to fly into SNA instead? Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

So if I'm reading this right, in order to fly into SNA you will be doubling your flight time ? That is not worth it IMO. While i try to fly into LGB or SNA, sometimes cost or flight times make it so we have to fly into LAX. Last month we landed at 4:30, were on the road by 5pm and checked into our hotel at 6pm. Not bad for rush hour LA traffic.

I wouldn't make a 3.5 hr flight turn into nearly 7 just to be a bit closer to Anaheim. Esp flying with kids.

Good luck

 

[Susie63]

Flying into LAX from YEG is so easy.Terminal 2 seemed smaller than Edm to me. We had our luggage and were on the bus in about 40 mins. I have also been checking flights to John Wayne from Grande Prairie and Edmonton and it is always more expensive.
So we will fly into LAX and take the DLE($74 return trip for 3 of us).Love how that bus driver wheels in and out of traffic in LAX.It was almost as fun as some of the rides at DL.It made DH nauseous though

 

[KittyKat1978]

I'm from Vancouver and when I went to DL in Feb I flew into LAX. I would also have a connection if I wanted to fly to SNA and its more expensive.

Some people say LAX is huge and confusing, but I found that it was sooo easy. I was off the plane, had my luggage (it was just me though so only one bag to grab) in 30 minutes. The DLE stop was right outside. I was in Terminal 2.

When I go in a couple of weeks I will also be flying into LAX. Terminal 2 again. Save money and time and fly into LAX.

 

[kailuagirl]

I wouldn't do the transfer and add additional time, especially with your kids. We always fly into LAX and found it easy to get around. Would love to fly into SNA but we aren't going to transfer to do so. The drive from LAX isn't bad, and you are arriving at a perfect time for less traffic!

What is the difference in price? Sometimes transfering makes it cheaper, so if it is a huge difference maybe it is worth it?? Just thinking. But I still probably wouldn't.

 

[jilld11]

Thanks for the replies. The price isn't a concern as it's airmiles, so the same price. The shuttle will be cheaper from SNA and I actually never had a problem with LAX (but was renting a car and driving south, not to Anaheim), but thought the shuttle might make a difference in time wise form SNA as opposed to LAX. Probably not worth the extra time in flying though. I guess LAX it will be. Don't mind the drive though because I like to people watch. Cheers

 

[brenda1966]

Direct! Always direct! Then you take out the 'missed connecting flight' hazard while flying.

 

[Disneylovers2000]

We can fly direct into LAX from Edmonton and then shuttle to PVI from there, or change in Calgary from Edmonton into SNA and shuttle to PVI from there. I have never flown into SNA, so don't know the airport at all, but would assume it's much smaller and easier to get through. Me, DH, DS9, DD7 will be flying. They travel at least 2 or 3 times a year, usually to Mexico and are totally fine on the plane and are not a worry. Total time with all changes is 6hrs. 55mins. to SNA in at 11:39am. Total time with no change to LAX is 3hrs. 20mins. to LAX at 11:20am. About the same time on the return, but out of LAX at 12n or out of SNA at 12:30pm. Worth it to make the change to fly into SNA instead? Any thoughts would be appreciated

We have done both. Personally, I prefer to fly into SNA. I would rather the shorter shuttle time as does the rest of my family! Enjoy!

 

[Disney_Alli]

See this is why Calgary is better than Edmonton... Direct flights to SNA and no additional travel time. Lol!

 

[jilld11]

Too funny.lol Sometimes we actually drive to Calgary to avoid the connection time as airport to airport is really only 2 1/2 hours at most. We have a new terminal now, so fingers crossed

 

[Disney_Alli]

See this is why Calgary is better than Edmonton... Direct flights to SNA and no additional travel time. Lol!

 

[Liat]

We flew into SNA last time and it was heaven. I hate LAX though. We flew from Calgary in through Van though.

The shorter shuttle time was great too. By the time we get through all the hassle of the airport and security and flight, my kids just want to go go go, so telling them we have an hour plus van ride left never sits well.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Based on it doubling the flight time, personally I would fly INTO LAX direct, then do outbound out of SNA...SNA is way easier and closer to fly out of...so the extra flight time is worth not having to deal with return traffic, extra time, and the hassle of LAX. You will be much more relaxed and have to leave a lot less
"buffer" time to make it to your outbound flight.

...this coming form someone that flies weekly.

 

[ValpoCory]

Total time with all changes is 6hrs. 55mins. to SNA in at 11:39am. Total time with no change to LAX is 3hrs. 20mins. to LAX at 11:20am.

It sounds like you have to get up super early if you fly into SNA. Not worth being exhausted when you arrive, IMO.

 

[sweethannah]

I'm in Vancouver as well and last year we flew into LAX direct, the cost and the hassle of changing planes wasn't worth it to me.... the time to change planes was greater than the transfer from LAX to SNA.
I didn't find the LAX airport confusing at all, flying internationally out is worse or so I've heard.

This year I found non stop flights into SNA from YVR with Westjet for the same price... I'm stoked about not having to shuttle from LAX but in your circumstance I'd just fly into LAX direct.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I agree with everyone who says to fly in to LAX. The airport is big, but it is easy to get the transfers from there to your hotel.

Have a great trip!

 

[Disneylovers2000]

See this is why Calgary is better than Edmonton... Direct flights to SNA and no additional travel time. Lol!

I wouldn't go that far!!

 

[Sparrow78]

I wouldn't go that far!!

I would go that far

Personally Go to LAX! Do t double your flight time, or just drive down here to Calgary.... As much as that could be nice coming home might nt be so great!would you really want to drive 3 hrs home after your long trip?

 

[mrsmith9]

I'd take the direct to LAX anytime. The shuttle to/from DLR is relatively quck and painless. The shuttle may take you an extra 20-30 minutes but that's alot better then 3 hours of extra flight and layover time.

 

[ValpoCory]

I'd take the direct to LAX anytime. The shuttle to/from DLR is relatively quck and painless. The shuttle may take you an extra 20-30 minutes but that's alot better then 3 hours of extra flight and layover time.

I see a lot of posters saying go LAX if it's cheaper or a shorter flight time. But if those things are equal, do people prefer flying into SNA over LAX if the DLR is your destination?