LAX--carrying on... so how far?

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

So for all of you that fly into LAX, we are planning on carrying on our stuff, so we can cut time at baggage claim, then going out and grabbing a cab, again to cut time. Anyone have a clue as to how long it would take to get from the gate to the ground transportation?? Are they are straight walk normally, or do you have to take shuttles or something to get from one place to the other??

Thanks!

--Lisa

 

[ShawnaF]

Piece of cake - should be about 15-20 minutes from walking out of the plane to entering your cab. Honestly, I've been to too many airports, but I believe there is a tram system at LAX. Obviously, someone else correct me if I'm wrong and thinking of a different airport.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

That sounds excellent... we are trying to cut down how long it takes to get to DLH of course!!

 

[ShawnaF]

Totally understand. Although it's not really too much of a problem even with baggage claim, I still contend that our longest baggage wait is here at DIA (Denver - locally for us!) We've never had a slow down at baggage claim at any CA airport. How old is Abby? If you bring carseat/stroller and her backpack with airplane entertainment, that's usually great. Morgan (turning 3 in October) is a veteran traveller and we stopped trying to carry on with us mainly because by the time we got ourselves to that area, baggage was always there. At this age, they want to walk and with 2 hours sitting, I don't blame her.

Think about that before you kill your back. If you need any help planning travel with a toddler, I am very experienced and can help with just about anything/ideas.

 

[Goofster57]

LAX does not have a tram system,
you have to walk from the gate to the Ground Transportation area.

I would say if you are an average walker you are looking at 10 minutes tops,
just follow the signs

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Thanks! Abby is 3.5 and has logged in more frequent flier miles than most adults. We have a thing called a "pac back" that turns the Britax car seat into a back pack... Typically we do trips to the Caribbean area of Mexico, which is about 10 hours... so this trip sounds like a piece of cake. Which is why I decided we'd carry on, the hardest part is the travel size toiletries With the new liquid rules, it makes it harder...

Anyhow, with hubby carrying a bag for him, I have a wheeled bag for dd and I, and a backpack of toys and snacks for her... should be pretty easy...

We have to be up at 4 am to be at the airport by 5, so if I can cut time at the airport and get us on the road it would sure make things simpler... seems we always end up waiting 1/2 hour for bags whereever we go...

--Lisa

 

[ShawnaF]

Thanks for the clarity on the tram there.

Lisa you and I have the same thing going, and a lot of FF miles...lol. Britax bag too! We do a bag for all of us and then on the way there the toiletries go into one suitcase along with diapers/pull-ups. That way I have the 2nd suitcase for the World of Disney shopping that inevitably happens to us. Morgan and I are a little packing crazy so carry-on size doesn't quite work for us - but that's a personal problem!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Seriously, for those who have to lug car seats (and worry they won't turn up on the other end if you check them! so I always bring ours on the plane.) You have to check out the pac back... we had a bag, it sucked getting the car seat in and out of it... so we got this thing, and it rocks... takes 2 seconds to attach/detach... http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=363756&cmSource=Search

Hope the link works...

Anyhow, we are only going for 3 nights, so we don't need a bunch of clothes... nice that we don't have to lug diapers anymore either!

--Lisa

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

LAX is a double-decker airport. You will be exiting the plane on the upper level, then proceeding down to the lower level (via escalator or elevator) to catch a cab. None of the terminals are very long, so even if your plane arrives at a far gate, you won't have a long trek ahead of you.

Here's some more info from the official LAX FAQ:

Taxis can be found curbside on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the yellow sign indicating Taxis. You will be presented with a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations. Only authorized taxis with an official seal issued by City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation on each vehicle are permitted in the airport. It is illegal for any transportation services to solicit fares, and travelers using such services do so at their own risk.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Thanks LittleWoodenHead!

 

[ShawnaF]

Totally agree on the carseat thing as well - we always bring ours on. A warning though to anyone who doesn't have a Britax - check for the FAA approved stamp on your seat before you try to bring it on board to use, no stamp, no seat and it goes below!

A carseat on the airplane has saved us so many times, she's used to it and comfy and it's always a happy flight! Amazingly even sleeps sometimes!

For the LAX folks - thanks for the clarity and full info!