JetBlue and Long Beach - What's the what

[CourtFool]

I have been lurking on this board for about a year and finally decided to register. Hello everyone!

We likely will not be visiting Disneyland until late May of next year. We have been trying to make it out once every two years. We normally fly SouthWest into John Wayne. However, I am seeing some comparable rates with JetBlue into Long Beach. No layovers for the bonus. Many ages ago, I lived in Long Beach and the crime was extremely high.

My questions are, has anyone else flown JetBlue and what was their experience like? I know some people have flown into Long Beach, so I would appreciate any details people can offer about using that airport. Is crime any more of a concern there than any other airport?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I think you'll find that the people who have flown Jet Blue loooooooveeeee Jet Blue... the LGB airport is super tiny... like walk out on the tarmac tiny and climb the steps to the plane (which my dd thinks is sooo cool!) Jet Blue means lots of yummy free snacks, directv in the seatbacks... and really nice staff. If you have the chance, take them. Our next trip, we are taking Alaska however into SNA (and I am kinda bummed about it), but I had the miles, so our tickets were practically free.

 

[jcarwash]

What are the recommended driving directions from LGB to Disneyland?

Google maps shows:
1. Lakewood Blvd to 91 to 5
2. 405 to 22 to Harbour Blvd
3. 405 to 605 N to 91 to 5

 

[wallawallakids]

We LOVE jet blue. We have done the flight into LGB from PDX. It is a great, easy flight. Airport is tiny though. Drive from LGB to Disneyland is super easy. Good luck!!!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Love both JetBlue & LGB!

 

[DizMe]

I am not a fan of JetBlue, but maybe that would be a different story if I was flying to/from a larger airport. As it is, I fly between Sacramento and LGB. There are very, very few flights a day so if your flight is cancelled, it is a HUGE hassle. This happened to me last summer and JetBlue left me stranded in Anaheim without even a guarantee that I'd get out the next day. I had to pay all of the associated costs (extra night in the hotel, extra parking fee, extra food) and got absolutely nothing from JetBlue--not even an apology. They did eventually agree to credit me for my return flight and I rebooked on SW out of SNA. That cost me another $200 for my daughter and me but at least I knew I'd get home.

Airlines can and do cancel flights. JetBlue is not good about handling that and if you have limited flights to choose from, rebooking can be a big issue. That's why I stick to SW now.

As far as the planes themselves, they're lovely! The flight down was great and I have no complaints about any of that.

LGB is a very small airport without much in the way of amenities, so it would not be a place in which you'd want to be stuck for very long if you had a delayed or cancelled flight. It can also be quite a bit more expensive to get to/from DLR in comparison to SNA, even though the distances are roughly comparable. I think taxi rates are similar but shuttles are a lot more. If you're staying onsite, you can get a flat rate from DLR to SNA for less than DLR to LGB but I don't remember the exact amount of difference. I posted it somewhere on the giant Grand Californian thread.

 

[staley7580]

We have flown into Long Beach airport several times, and its been fine each time. No problems at all. I really like that it is so small. Makes everything easier. We could jump off the plane, be out of the airport.. grab our luggage and head across the street to the rental car in just a few minutes. I REALLY like it. I havent flown Jet blue yet. We have our return flight from DIsneyland in June through Jet Blue though.

 

[Greysword]

We flew JB into LGB last Memorial Day weekend.

Crime did not seem to be an issue, and I didn't feel I was in any danger nor in gang territory. I also felt safe driving between DLR and the airport. If Long Beach has a major crime or gang issue, it did not appear to be around the airport.

Of interest, according to their Capital Improvement Report (http://www.lgb.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=2565), the new passenger terminal is slated to be completed by May 2013. On the airport's website, the artist rendering looks like this:

Looks pretty nice, and I can't wait. The current terminal had that 1950s feel to it (with the one baggage carousel outside) and it also felt like a MAC terminal

 

[DizFan13]

We have flown JetBlue round-trip from PDX to LGB for our last six DLR trips. We absolutely love the simplicity. Not only is it a nice flying experience, for the reasons listed by previous posters, but getting in and out of LGB is so simple. We rent a car, since we can usually get a rate through Costco which is cheaper than any shuttle, and drive all the way down Ball to Disneyland. We are able to stop at a store on the way to pick up breakfast snacks for the hotel, another bonus.

We had one experience with a delay; in November, due to weather, our flight out of LGB was delayed a couple of hours. Unlike the previous poster's experience, JetBlue was wonderful about the event. They provided snacks, drinks, and numerous apologies. I also received a $50 credit for each ticket without approaching the airline. It is true that LGB is not a comfortable airport to wait in, but I will continue to fly JetBlue whenever I have the choice.

 

[gardengirl2790]

We too have flown Jet Blue from PDX two times now to LGB. The flights so far have been the cheapest non-stop flights so that is the main reason we have flown Jet Blue. We have never had any trouble with Jet Blue, and the Direct TV is a nice bonus! We really like flying into LGB, it is easy. We always take a cab to Disneyland and there is a flat rate if you request it with the driver. I think it is about $45. We also were able to get a voucher at the GCH for a return flat rate to LGB, again I think it was about $45. There is one sit down restaurant at the airport, otherwise the food offerings are pretty slim. I have never felt unsafe at the airport, and the area surrounding the airport seemed just fine as we zipped off to DL!

 

[wbl2745]

What are the recommended driving directions from LGB to Disneyland?

Google maps shows:
1. Lakewood Blvd to 91 to 5
2. 405 to 22 to Harbour Blvd
3. 405 to 605 N to 91 to 5

There are three different ways to get from Long Beach to the DLR. I don't like the one you listed above. The other two are:

Go straight out of the ONLY exit of the airport on to East Wardlow Rd, which turns into Ball Rd, which is at the north end of the DLR. It takes about 30 minutes due to using surface streets. The advantage is that there are some grocery stores along the way if you're looking to stock up on some items before getting to the park. (We have DVC so we always get breakfast stuff.)

The other way, which I think is less stressful and perhaps a little fast, is at the exit of the airport, turn right on Lakewood Blvd (instead of left in the Google Map directions you posted), drive to 405, take 405 south, which merges with 22 east, stay on 22 east until Harbor. Go north on Harbor to the DLR.

I'll often take the direct Wardlow Rd to Ball Rd just because it is so simple.

 

[wbl2745]

To answer the OP's question about Long Beach, if I have a choice I ALWAYS fly into Long Beach when going to the LA area. Seriously, from the point of exiting the airplane to driving out of the parking lot in my rental car, including a potty break, can be as little as 20 minutes! Sorry SNA and LAX can't come any where near that. The distance from the plane to the luggage pickup (if you check your luggage, which Jet Blue still permits for free) is shorter than most concourses at airports. The rental car place is just across the street from the luggage. I can't sing the praises of Long Beach too much. I'm a little worried about their remodeling since that may completely change all of this.

 

[jcarwash]

There are three different ways to get from Long Beach to the DLR. I don't like the one you listed above. The other two are:

Go straight out of the ONLY exit of the airport on to East Wardlow Rd, which turns into Ball Rd, which is at the north end of the DLR. It takes about 30 minutes due to using surface streets. The advantage is that there are some grocery stores along the way if you're looking to stock up on some items before getting to the park. (We have DVC so we always get breakfast stuff.)

The other way, which I think is less stressful and perhaps a little fast, is at the exit of the airport, turn right on Lakewood Blvd (instead of left in the Google Map directions you posted), drive to 405, take 405 south, which merges with 22 east, stay on 22 east until Harbor. Go north on Harbor to the DLR.

I'll often take the direct Wardlow Rd to Ball Rd just because it is so simple.

Thank you so much. I should have clarified that I was listing three different option routes, with one of them being faster route you cited, the 405 south to 22 east to Harbor. But the main thing is the East Wardlow to Ball is advice that is very useful and an option I would not have found on my own.

 

[DizMe]

To answer the OP's question about Long Beach, if I have a choice I ALWAYS fly into Long Beach when going to the LA area. Seriously, from the point of exiting the airplane to driving out of the parking lot in my rental car, including a potty break, can be as little as 20 minutes! Sorry SNA and LAX can't come any where near that. The distance from the plane to the luggage pickup (if you check your luggage, which Jet Blue still permits for free) is shorter than most concourses at airports. The rental car place is just across the street from the luggage. I can't sing the praises of Long Beach too much. I'm a little worried about their remodeling since that may completely change all of this.

Actually, SNA is very quick as well. It, too, is a small airport although quite a bit bigger than LGB. LGB is a great choice if you're renting a car, that is very true. SNA is just as fast if you're taking a taxi or shuttle--I often get to DLR in 15 minutes from SNA. Well, that's when I take carry-on. With checked bags (also free on SW), it adds maybe 10 minutes. I've only rented a car once because I simply don't need one when I go to DL and I don't want to pay the parking fees, which are pretty high in many hotels and can add significantly to your bill. There are only a few hotels that don't charge you a parking fee now because parking is at a premium. A rental car is nice if you plan to explore other areas beyond the resort but otherwise not necessary.

 

[mabdallah]

We are flying jet blue from Portland for our August trip, it saved us so much more to fly from Portland than from Seattle. We are renting a car and I think our flight gets in around 130pm. We are not able to check into our hotel until 4pm. So we plan to go grocery shopping, eat lunch, and maybe visit the disney outlet store. Would it be best to use the freeway or just take Ball?
So excited for our trip coming up, and to get out of the rain!!

 

[DizFan13]

We are flying jet blue from Portland for our August trip, it saved us so much more to fly from Portland than from Seattle. We are renting a car and I think our flight gets in around 130pm. We are not able to check into our hotel until 4pm. So we plan to go grocery shopping, eat lunch, and maybe visit the disney outlet store. Would it be best to use the freeway or just take Ball?
So excited for our trip coming up, and to get out of the rain!!

We have tried a few routes, and I have to say that based on your plans, Wardlow to Ball would be the best route. The freeways are unpredictable (traffic wise) in the afternoon, while surface streets are fairly predictable. It is a quick drive and has never taken us as long as predicted. We stop at the Ralph's on Brookhurst Street and grab our breakfast items on the way.

Also, be sure to check with your hotel. Depending on where you are staying, they may have a room ready early, but will almost certainly let you register early so you can go and enjoy the parks or DTD.

 

[jlmarr]

I'll often take the direct Wardlow Rd to Ball Rd just because it is so simple.

Yep. http://mapq.st/ehOBtr

 

[cyclenut]

I live here in So Cal and have flow into/out of LAX, Ontario, LGB and SNA many times. My first choice is ALWAYS Long Beach, second is LAX and third is SNA.

I like the convenience of Long Beach and but I do sometimes find flight options to be limited because of this. Highly recommend it though. Super cool place. That said, construction of the new passenger terminal has messed things up a bit. My last flight out of there (December I think it was ... maybe January) there was a very long walk along the tarmac to where the planes were sitting. Basically we walked the entire length of the new terminal building. This is only temporary, but it may last until the new terminal is built. ALSO ... you'll want to check with JetBlue as they may not be affected by this temporary relocation. It depends on the gate. I was flying a differnet airline to Phoenix.

I also recommend the Wardlow to Ball route. We take Ball when going to the parks every time. It really will be only about 30 minutes. There is a massive construction project on the 405 right now right at the 605. What that means to folks coming into Long Beach is that they would pass right through there. I do every day to and from work and it isn't terrible (lanes are open) but it can be disconcerting as they are working overhead (new bridges) and restriping lanes periodically as they move traffic around to make room for construction equipment.

Considering the above construction, I can certainly understand the preference to fly out of SNA right now. Very clean and Disney-like experience there. I prefer LAX over SNA due to price. It is ALWAYS cheaper to fly into LAX and you can get a shuttle from there. Depending on the size of your family, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars flying LAX.

As for crime concerns in and around the Long Beach airport, there is really nothing to worry about. There are a few spots that are "bad" in Long Beach, but this area isn't one of them. You'll actually find some very nice homes and parks in that area.

There is one alternate route you could choose and that is to take Willow which turns into Katella. That route may be a little quicker. To get to Willow you just make a right out of the airport as if you are heading to the 405. Before you get to the freeway, you'll make a left on Willow. This will take you right past a Costco that will be on your left. There is also a nice local, family owned, restaurant called "Gormet Cafe" that is on the right (just across from Costco) that you might enjoy if you are looking for a decent meal and to kill some time.

 

[mabdallah]

Thanks so much for the tips. We really like to take the side streets becuase we hate driving on the freeway down there. Also my husband really likes IN & Out burger, is there one on the way?

 

[cyclenut]

Thanks so much for the tips. We really like to take the side streets becuase we hate driving on the freeway down there. Also my husband really likes IN & Out burger, is there one on the way?

There are a few that are sort of "on the way" but you'll have to go a few blocks out of the way to get there. One is to take left out of the airport to Carson Street where you will make a right. You'll continue to a place called Long Beach Town Center. That place is HUGE. They have a large theater complex, several restaurants (including the In-N-Out) and many other stores. If you go there, then when you leave I suggest you DO take the 605 South from there and take the next exit, which will put you back on Wardlow/Ball Rd ... or continue down to Willow/Katella (next exit) if you like. To do this, turn right out of the shopping center and stay in the right lane and you'll be whisked right onto the freeway. You could merge left and stay on Carson but that will take you through Hawaiin Gardens, which is much more run-down.

There is also a NEW In-N-Out that JUST OPENED (I mean within the last week or two ... so it doesn't show on Google Maps yet) in the area known as Rossmoor, which is really Seal Beach. The address is 12365 Seal Beach Blvd. To get there you would make a right out of the airport and left on Willow (as I mentioned before). Willow will turn into Katella and you would make a right on Los Alamitos Blvd (soon after you cross under the 605 freeway). Los Alamitos Blvd actually turns into Seal Beach Blvd. You will come upon Rossmoor Center on your right before you get to the 405 freeway. In-N-Out is in that Rossmoor Center and is visible from the street. Across the street from there are several restaurants as well as a Target and a Ralphs Grocery. There is also a Kohl's in the Rossmoor Center. Lots to choose from there and a way to kill some time. If you want, you could choose to go to California Pizza Kitchen which is also in that same center. Rossmoor is considered an upscale neighborhood with many homes in the area worth well over $1M. Very safe and very clean area. To get back on track for Disneyland, make a right (south) out of Rossmoor center and make a left on a street called Lampson. You'll travel through Seal Beach and you'll notice to the left some open land. That is the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. Stay on Lampson to Valley View and make a left. Then you can turn right on Katella or continue up a few more blocks and turn right on Ball.

UPDATE: The In-N-Out in Seal Beach I mentioned above just opened yesterday (3/15/2012). After making this post I decided to go check it out. Good as ever!

Neither of these locations is near Disneyland, but they are not far off your path if you are going from Long Beach airport TO Disneyland (or back for that matter).

Hope this helps.