Flying LAX to Orlando

[Libby]

I was just wondering if anyone knows what carriers fly directly from LAX to Orlando. I am having a lot of trouble finding a flight that doesn't involve a stopover (and after a 12 hour flight from Australia with a baby and toddler I'd just like to get to WDW). There are a few I know of like AA but they only have flights in the morning and we don't arrive until 1.30pm so we'd have to stay overnight. Another leaves about 10pm. Not sure if it would be best just to hang around the airport (or a local shopping mall) and catch a direct flight or go earlier but have a stopover. Any help, suggestions are much appreciated.

Libby

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hi Libby! American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines fly non-stop from Los Angeles to Orlando. A number of airlines fly with a connection to Orlando around the time that flights come in from the South Pacific. You can take United from AUS to Los Angeles, CA or San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO or Chicago, IL and then continue on to Orlando.

 

[TravelSheryl]

After such a long flight from Australia, it would seem best to me to spend the rest of the day/night at a hotel near the airport and rest up a little, and then leave early the next morning for Orlando. I would be exhausted waiting around for a late night flight, then flying for another 5 hours. Your first day in Orlando would be wasted.

Southwest doesn't service Los Angeles to Orlando with non-stop flights.

 

[nutz4wdw]

Libby. I am taking a Delta Flight (#1538) nonstop from LAX at 7:10 a.m. direct to Orlando. I am leaving in November.

 

[Uncle Mikey]

I agree with TravelSheryl. Your best option would be to get a hotel near the airport and take a morning flight. Since you do not get into LAX until 1:30, it is doubtful you could make it through customs to catch either of the afternoon non-stops. By the way the only non-stops I am aware of are flown by United, Delta, American and U.S. Airways. If you do decide on a morning flight, they will get you into Orlando around 3:00-4:00pm (Orlando Time). You would probably arrive a little more rested and refreshed. There is one United flight that leaves out of LAX at about 10:30pm and arrives in Orlando about 6:00am. But I think you would be walking zombies at that point in time. The question is: Do you really want to fly 12 hours with a baby and toddler? Then wait 9 hours in the airport to catch another flight and fly another 5 hours? By the way, when are you going?

 

[TravelSheryl]

All of US Airways flights from Los Angeles to Orlando go through US Airways east coast hubs. They do not offer non-stop service on this route.

Once and for all, everyone, the airlines serving Los Angeles to Orlando non-stop are Delta, American and United only.

 

[CarolA]

However, US Air does have a one stop where you don't actually have to change planes.

My concern would be that since you are not booking the trip from your point of origin to Orlando you might get stuck if the flight is delayed. Basically you would have missed your outbound flight out of LAX and would be on your own to rebook. If your flight from your point of origin was delayed and you had booked through to MCO then your airline would help you rebook.

I actually did something simular to this. I flew back to Nashville from Singapore. We did miss our connection in LAX, but American had already rebooked us. We had to change planes in Dallas. I don't know if I would do it again! I have NEVER been so tried and I was flying Business Class and First Class.

 

[Uncle Mikey]

Thanks for the correction. U.S. Airways flight 40 does have a stop in Charlotte for an hour. It wouldn't get you into Orlando till around midnight.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

TravelSheryl, I'm sorry that I am not perfect. It's my mistake. BUT, Southwest does fly direct (which means same aircraft, and LAX-MCO has 1-3 stops on the way). US Airways also offers a few direct flights from time to time through the east coast hubs of Pittsburgh, Charlotte, or Philadelphia.

 

[cigar95]

The Los Angeles-Orlando flights on Southwest stop once in Albuquerque - each way, if I remember.

As for the original question - if your airline provides a lounge of some sort, getting some rest and taking the non-stop redeye flights on UA or DL might work. But as the others have said - do get some rest in between.

 

[Libby]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I basically have 3 options:

1) American Airlines : stay overnight in LA and catch a 8.25am flight (arrving MCO 4pm)
2) America West : stopover in PHX leaving 4.40pm (arriving MCO 7.20am)
3) United : departs 10pm (arriving 5.50am)

I think I have pretty much decided on the AA flight. The only downside my hubby is travelling a week after us and will also then have to stay a night in LA. I have also tried to change my flight from Sydney to an earlier time but have been unable to since I'm using frequent flier points.

Thanks again,
Libby

 

[Scotch]

Libby,

I, too, would take the AA route. I avoid redeyes whenever I can. You and your hubby can save $$ for your overnight stay by bidding on Priceline for LAX hotel. The 4* level hotels (Westin-grade) in the area should offer free shuttle rides to and from the airport. I'm not sure about the 3* level and below LAX-area hotels. Then the following morning you can just hop on the shuttle and go. Review the Priceline bidding forum at: http://pub4.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding to learn how to bid (if you are a newbie) and see others' successful bids for LAX area hotels. Be sure to read the FAQs and Bonus money links. Depending on the dates, you should be able to get a 4* LAX hotel for under $50 for a night.