Lax vs SNA?

[shinysparklybubbles]

We are flying from Philly and SW is our cheapest (and preferred) airline. I can fly into LAX with a stop no plane change, or SNA with a stop and plane change.

Both as same travel times but SNA is $120 more. Is it worth it to be closer to DLR? We do not want to rent a car so we plan on staying within walking distance of DLR. we will need to use some form of shuttle service to get to our hotel, so I'm wondering what we would save on shuttle from one airport vs another?

Also, something to consider is I have a medical pre board because of my sons peanut allergy so I can wipe down seats, etc. wondering if it would be better to not switch planes then?

 

[DisneytheKid]

Hello,

I'd go with LAX. The price for super shuttle is $16 per person from LAX to Disneyland as opposed to $10 pp from SNA. Save the $120

 

[DebbieB]

We are flying from Philly and SW is our cheapest (and preferred) airline. I can fly into LAX with a stop no plane change, or SNA with a stop and plane change.

Both as same travel times but SNA is $120 more. Is it worth it to be closer to DLR? We do not want to rent a car so we plan on staying within walking distance of DLR. we will need to use some form of shuttle service to get to our hotel, so I'm wondering what we would save on shuttle from one airport vs another?

Also, something to consider is I have a medical pre board because of my sons peanut allergy so I can wipe down seats, etc. wondering if it would be better to not switch planes then?

I've done both. If I can get a non-stop with an equal or lower price, I do LAX. If I'm going to have to connect either way or if there's a big price difference, I do SNA.

In your case, I would do LAX. I used the Disneyland Express.

 

[ValpoCory]

I've done both. If I can get a non-stop with an equal or lower price, I do LAX. If I'm going to have to connect either way or if there's a big price difference, I do SNA.

In your case, I would do LAX. I used the Disneyland Express.

I agree. All things being equal, go SNA. But if the total LAX airfare price for my family is more than $50 cheaper than SNA, I'd go LAX. We are staying on-site and not renting a car either.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Thanks! I'm sure I'll be back with lots more questions! We are WDW pros and DLr newbies.

 

[Blue32]

I agree. All things being equal, go SNA. But if the total LAX airfare price for my family is more than $50 cheaper than SNA, I'd go LAX. We are staying on-site and not renting a car either.

We are stuck with a similar dilemma. We would really like to fly into SNA but right now our flights into LAX are much cheaper(about $100 per ticket). I just read alot of bad things about LAX. Is it really not THAT bad?

 

[ValpoCory]

We are stuck with a similar dilemma. We would really like to fly into SNA but right now our flights into LAX are much cheaper(about $100 per ticket). I just read alot of bad things about LAX. Is it really not THAT bad?

LAX is fine, IMO. I have had no problems in my flights out of there.

 

[dismom73]

LAX has way more delays than SNA, but that is luck of the draw. Lots of people have gotten in and out many times with no problems, others have delays every time they go through there. There is no way to know ahead of time how that will play out.

 

[bumbershoot]

LAX is just fine. Especially for that price difference.

I wouldn't want to be a local picking someone up there, but as a normal traveler taking a shuttle, it's perfectly fine. Hard to get lost there, too, as a normal traveler.

There's SuperShuttle (van with seatbelts), Karmel Shuttle (van with seatbelts and my current favorite after using them one time), and Disneyland Resort Express (coach bus, no seatbelts, run by Grayline Bus Line), just off the top of my head.

If you're arriving early or late, the bus only leaves every hour, which can be annoying if you arrive close enough to that hour to *almost* make it, but instead have to wait 50 minutes for a bus. Especially at LAX, because there's no nice waiting area there.

The bus tends to stop at Disneyland Hotel where the money is taken care of. Then you either get off the bus b/c you are staying there, or to change to a different bus, or you stay on it (whatever they tell you to do) and you continue on to your hotel.



On my first flight out of SNA Alaska was delayed by about 2 hours. On our most recent flight out, we were getting a tiny little plane that you went onto the tarmac for, and that was at the very very last gate, which was more walking-to-a-gate than I've EVER done at LAX.

One flight we took out of LAX was delayed, but that was a good thing for us b/c otherwise we would have missed it, thanks to my questionable time-management. So far, for us, LAX is winning.

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree with everyone. SNA is better all things being equal. In the case of the OP then LAX looks like the better option.

Not everyone agrees with me, but SNA is better not just for being closer to DLR. It also feels more...well... magical. It is more modern and clean and safe feeling. LAX is kind of grungy and the area of LA outside is also kind of grungy. Not horrible. Just not nearly as nice as the area around SNA.

I always choose SNA unless there is a compelling reason to choose another SoCal airport.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Hi there, I always pay for SNA. It is a much smaller airport so getting bags and then checking in for return is so fast and easy. Staff at airport has IMO always been very nice. I do plan early so I can make air reservations at the optimum price. I plan our stay actually after planning our airfare. I am not sure if all airlines let you put hold on tickets for 24 hours -- Alaska Air does-- so then if I can get room rate in our price range I book both with in the 24 hour hold range. Hope this helps.

Transportation from and to SNA is very efficeint. Transportation to the park and hotels is cheaper then LAX and faster as you are closer to the parks.

 

[mrswh]

I am a big fan of SNA and despise LAX. It's just loud, dirty, and chaotic. The traffic drives me nuts and I hate landing and then having to drive/ride an hour (or likely more) to get to my destination. SNA is an oasis. It is small, modern, and has everything you need without the hassle. It is also much closer to DLR. I agree with the PP that it is much more "magical." I also enjoy the short field takeoffs from SNA (though some don't.). Since I can get to SNA direct nonstop, I don't even look at the fares to LAX. However - if you are looking at having to connect AND pay more . . . that might tip the scales. It depends on how much you hate connecting and how much you like money, I guess. I think SNA is preferable enough to LAX that it would be worth paying more, but I also hate to connect.

 

[ValpoCory]

I am a big fan of SNA and despise LAX. It's just loud, dirty, and chaotic. The traffic drives me nuts and I hate landing and then having to drive/ride an hour (or likely more) to get to my destination. SNA is an oasis. It is small, modern, and has everything you need without the hassle. It is also much closer to DLR. I agree with the PP that it is much more "magical." I also enjoy the short field takeoffs from SNA (though some don't.). Since I can get to SNA direct nonstop, I don't even look at the fares to LAX. However - if you are looking at having to connect AND pay more . . . that might tip the scales. It depends on how much you hate connecting and how much you like money, I guess. I think SNA is preferable enough to LAX that it would be worth paying more, but I also hate to connect.

Thanks. I agree. I want to fly into SNA. I just don't want to pay $400 total or more to do it (4 tickets). "How much is SNA worth" is a question with a different answer for each person.

 

[8lovesmickey]

I agree that SNA is better but not $400 better. That will pay for lots of meals and/or souvenirs!

Have a blast!!

 

[Mr Snappy]

This is an interesting thread because I just had to buy tickets for our October trip and picked SNA this time.

It's weird, I have only flown my family into SNA one other time. The rest of the time SNA is way to over-priced compared to LAX. For some reason, this time, SNA was much less then the flights to LAX. I bought tickets from Kansas City to SNA for $218 each compared to $330 to LAX. I watched for about three months and the difference was always there. Not sure what the deal is, but I am glad the way it worked out!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We are flying from Philly and SW is our cheapest (and preferred) airline. I can fly into LAX with a stop no plane change, or SNA with a stop and plane change.

Both as same travel times but SNA is $120 more. Is it worth it to be closer to DLR? We do not want to rent a car so we plan on staying within walking distance of DLR. we will need to use some form of shuttle service to get to our hotel, so I'm wondering what we would save on shuttle from one airport vs another?

Also, something to consider is I have a medical pre board because of my sons peanut allergy so I can wipe down seats, etc. wondering if it would be better to not switch planes then?

With the allergy, if it were me, I'd go with the cheaper flight and no plane change into LAX.

In general for others that might be reading.
Normally, of all the LA area airports, I suggest you go with whichever one is significantly cheaper than the others. If none are significantly cheaper, go with SNA mainly because it is closer to DLR, and it's a smaller airport that is easy to get in and out of and find your gate ect.

Our main problem with LAX is that if you arrive during rush hour, it's a pain to get to Disney from there. It's also a large airport and if you're unfamiliar with it, it can be overwhelming. But we've never had anything other than friendly service. Of all the LA area airports, we've actually gotten the worst service we got anywhere at SNA. Of course, it was all on one particular airline and service there from other airlines was fine.

 

[Amy&Dan]

This is an interesting thread because I just had to buy tickets for our October trip and picked SNA this time.

It's weird, I have only flown my family into SNA one other time. The rest of the time SNA is way to over-priced compared to LAX. For some reason, this time, SNA was much less then the flights to LAX. I bought tickets from Kansas City to SNA for $218 each compared to $330 to LAX. I watched for about three months and the difference was always there. Not sure what the deal is, but I am glad the way it worked out!

You know its funny, I fly from Denver and we started out years ago flying into SNA. Then suddenly that was always hundres more so we started flying into LAX or Ontario. Now for our trip in July, SNA was cheaper. Made me very happy but it was sort of weird.

OP: I agree with everyone else. I like SNA since it is close to DL and its a nice small airport. But no way would I pay that much more to fly into there vs LAX not to mention I avoid plane changes like the plague.

I have had nothing but fine luck with LAX and the ride to the DLR area while longer has not been bad for us.

 

[Blue32]

Thanks. I agree. I want to fly into SNA. I just don't want to pay $400 total or more to do it (4 tickets). "How much is SNA worth" is a question with a different answer for each person.

And this is the question I am faced with becasue right now.... it's $400 difference for me(4 tickets). At first thought I was leaning toward SNA and paying more because it's my vacation but I also noticed I would need to connect to get to SNA rather than direct into LAX and 400 is alot of cash where I live.

 

[3DisMunchkins]

FWIW, we flew into LAX 2 weeks ago and it was fine. It was a little confusing at first finding where to wait for the DL Express bus, but I asked at the info desk right by the baggage claim and they were very helpful pointing out where to go. Although he did tell me we had missed the last bus and would have to wait for the next one...45 min. We decided to wait close to the building as opposed to on the island between the bus lanes. I happened to see a white bus(thanks to the DIS for knowing what to look for) pull up 5 min later and ran over to check and sure enough it was the DL Express...they had just made it to our terminal. The driver was very friendly and waited for me to grab our bags and party from the curb. The drive was not bad, only 45 min to the DLH for 5 min wait then another 15 to our hotel (HOJO). We purchased the round trip pass for 5 for $99 from their website. It was very easy and affordable I thought. While other shuttle might be a better option for you, DL express was best for me as I have a 4 yr old and very tiny 7 yr olds who still need car seats if not on a "bus".
I would definitely do it again especially for the savings and a direct flight.

Good luck with what ever you decide and have a MAGICAL vacation!

 

[KittyKat1978]

I have always flown into LAX as I have yet to see a direct flight to SNA from Vancouver or Abbotsford. And I refuse to have a conncection for a 3hr flight.

I guess I have been lucky as my flights have always been on time, and it takes me 30 mins to get off the plane, get to the baggage claim and get my bag. I have also only had to wait 5-10 mins for the DLE. I don't find it dirty or too busy.

Maybe because I have flown into the Manila aiport in the Phillipines. It smelt like sewage and it's the most chaotic airport I have ever been too.