LAX or SNA?

[debm]

I am flying out by myself with my son and purchased direct flights into LAX. Now I'm considering going into SNA only because it is closer to DL and I think it would be a smaller airport for me to get around. But is it worth having to change planes? It will cost me a bit less though too. Anyone had experience at both airports? We have flown into LAX before but it was 5 years ago and I had my DH and other family with me. Suggestions? Thanks!

 

[tink2dw]

Depends on which Airline you are flying and how you are getting to DL??

 

[debm]

I am flying in on Southwest and was planning on taking the Disneyland Resort Express over to Disneyland. Don't know yet if I will be at the GC or PP yet though.

 

[jlmarr]

If the flight to SNA is cheaper then definitely, go for it. SNA also has DL Express and is a much smaller airport to deal with. The shuttles and buses are across the street from baggage claim on the lower level.

 

[debm]

Ok. Thanks. And it sounds like it is closer than LAX---I mean will I be in less traffic and time to get to DL? My son I'm traveling with has Down syndrome and even though he isn't in a wheelchair, I get nervous traveling with him. He has a mind of his own for sure! Just going into the bathroom, walking thru the airport, I think would be easier if it were a smaller airport. But if I'm not going to really notice a difference from LAX, than it's fine. Probably not worth the fact that I will have to change planes at Chicago or Las Vegas to go into SNA. Oh the decisions... I'm just excited to be going though and will deal with it no matter what.

 

[QueenDoOver]

I have flown into LAX and it is really no big deal. I would rather do LAX than change planes and either have a mad dash for the next flight or a lay over. Both of which are pretty miserable with kids. That being said, either way, I hope that you have a wonderful trip with your son. I am a particular fan of Mom and boy trips as they are really special and different from all family trips.

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

I think it also depneds on when you are flying. Certain times and days of the week are WAY worse to get from LAX to DLR. If you are worried about time, really, it will prob be the same, LAX-DLR will be about the same as changing planes and flying into SNA.

Although, sometimes with SWA you don't actually change planes, there is a stopover with no plane change.

What does your son do better with? Little stops or just get there... SNA you will have 2 shorted flights and a shorter driving time to DLR, whereas LAX will be one longer flight with one longer drive, with no stopovers in the middle to stretch, etc. I hope that makes sense....

 

[Peace.love.mickey]

Oh and HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[specialks]

I agree that changing planes can be difficult with kids. But it can also be a great time to stretch legs and go to the restroom. I do not like LAX and we always fly into SNA. I personally wouldn't want to be on a shuttle to DLR from LAX for long and if you arrive around high traffic times that could really be frustrating. So, I personally would choose the SNA flight with the stop-over.

 

[debm]

Aaaghh...so now I am confused. I guess I can't go wrong either way and I really appreciate the input. That's what I need--something will give me the "aah-hah" that I need. I am a little leary on the changing planes as it will be a 50 minute layover in an airport to get to the next plane --and that's not long considering that is 50 minutes from landing to the next one taking off. I think that is too short. I have flown a LOT as we go from STL to Orlando quite frequently. The smaller airport in CA is a plus for me but I'm not sure if it will be that much of a big deal to consider having to switch planes. I will keep pondering it. If the prices change much that will probably be my decision maker. The big problem was the tickets were $119 one way at 1am one night, I waited until 8am to talk to my DH about it and they had gone up to $154! Yuck!

Thanks again! And yes, I am excited about my trip with my son by myself. Only problem is he doesn't talk--and I like to--so I'm sure I will be talking the ear off the cast members and restaurant servers! 4 days of no conversation, or shall I say a pretty one-sided conversation is a long time!

 

[revcohea]

We just returned from LA. We've been several times in the past few years and have flown into LAX, SNA and ONT. LAX is definitely the more crowded congested of the 3. SNA is easy in and easy out, but you flight options and rental car options are fewer and in some cases more expensive...personally I prefer SNA...but lots of times my schedule and budget dictate LAX. We waited last Wednesday June 23 for over an hr in security line at Terminal 5 at LAX. It was crazy, i've flown into SNA three or 4 times and never had any wait of any kind, even when we flew in with a big group. If convenience and ease of travel is your top priority SNA is the best choice.

 

[specialks]

I am a little leary on the changing planes as it will be a 50 minute layover in an airport to get to the next plane --and that's not long considering that is 50 minutes from landing to the next one taking off.

If it is the same airline typically the gates are not too far apart. Quite often we have found that we have to walk less that 5 gates to our connecting flight. You could perhaps call SWA and see if they could look at the typical gates for those flights and see if there will be a problem making the gate change.

 

[CADisneyMom]

I actually work for SWA and they won't be able to give you any gate information until the day of the flight. The majority of the time though the flights go into and out of the same gates, but that can always change depending on what's going on in the airport. Now personally I try to avoid MDW as much as possible, so if you do decide to change planes then I would pick going through LAS. The only problem with LAS is if you have to actually change terminals since SWA is in 2 different ones. LAS is also pretty easy to get through since it is in an oval shape. It it's a scheduled flight then you have plenty of time to make your connection, they know how much time is needed to put between flights. The fare went up because it was a special sale for our anniversary so it was only good for 36 hours. Don't count on the fares going down. You can also preboard if needed since your son has a (and I hate to use this word) disability, but if it would make it easier for you to get him situated first instead of trying to get around people then I would take advantage of that.

The ride from LAX to DLR takes an hour, and I've done it during rush hour, the bus picks up there under the green sign. And for me it all depends on what time I really want to get there and/or if I'm meeting someone else coming in on a different flight.

Good luck on whichever you decide and remember to have fun.

 

[debm]

Thanks so much. Yes, we use the "handicap" boarding all the time. It makes it so nice. Besides, I figure, SWA is much happier too to let us preboard because then my son is not jumping up and down, making loud noises and running to get to his seat. Now he sits patiently RIGHT by the door to board and we go on after the wheelchairs.

Right now my flight is Saturday and I arrive around 1ish but I'm thinking about arriving Friday evening so I can have a full day at the park on Saturday. It would put us at SNA around 7pm. The DL Resort Express bus says it only picks up once an hour after 3 pm. My fear would be if I JUST missed it. Waiting with my son is not easy. I will look into the shuttle service a bit more.

Thanks to everyone helping me with this decision!

 

[mrsheppo]

Check into perhaps using the Super Shuttle from SNA to your hotel. They pick up approximately every 15 minutes and only have 7 people on board. They also have wheelchair accessibility. The total price R/T for 2 is $36.

www.supershuttle.com

 

[brenda1966]

I would take the direct flight into LAX anyday over a 2 leg flight with a plane change into a closer airport. Non-direct flights take longer, having a layover and changing planes adds to your trip. Plus it adds to all of the things that can go wrong. What if your bags don't make the plane change? What if YOU don't make your connecting flight? I just took 2 flights and both were late -- one 30 minutes late and the other over an hour. People were getting off that plane and running to try and make their connection. I always pick the direct flight, even when I have to pay a bit more.

 

[tink2dw]

SWA is right past the security check in the bathrooms are on the right just before the See's candy counter. Then you are right outside!! The Disneyland Resort Express is a big comfy air conditioned bus, with wide seats.

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[ukstitch]

I would take the direct flight into LAX anyday over a 2 leg flight with a plane change into a closer airport.

I definitely agree with this - SNA is a nice airport and much easier to navigate that LAX in my experience, but given the choice between LAX direct or SNA with a change of plane, I'd opt for LAX every time