Long Beach vs John Wayne

[Cal-Pie]

If all of those are the same, I go with SNA because there's more flights which means in the event of a problem, I have more alternatives.

This, x10, especially right now! I had my last flight out of LGB canceled due to a mechanical problem after boarding. Because they had no other options available, I ended up on a 36-hour, cross-country nightmare adventure trying to get home. LGB is such a cool little airport, but I'd think hard about using it again, given the volatility of the airlines right now.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

One of my good friends lives in Long Beach. He prefers both LB and John Wayne over Burbank and LAX, but has his preference with John Wayne

 

[Aurora0427]

SNA is like this too, to be fair.

I disagree. SNA is easy, but it’s much larger and more congested than Long Beach. I prefer the location of SNA being in San Clemente, but I feel that LB is easier to get in and out of… it’s just a much smaller airport. But you really can’t go wrong with either airport.

 

[DLgal]

I disagree. SNA is easy, but it’s much larger and more congested than Long Beach. I prefer the location of SNA being in San Clemente, but I feel that LB is easier to get in and out of… it’s just a much smaller airport. But you really can’t go wrong with either airport.

SNA is not anywhere near San Clemente. It's technically in Santa Ana, but it realistically straddles Irvine/Costa Mesa/Santa Ana.

I find SNA easier than LGB. LGB, when crowded, is slow.

 

[Princess351]

I like both, but lean *slightly* toward SNA. For arrivals; It is just a smidge closer to Disneyland and (because I am a wimp) the LGB airport luggage claim is outdoors. Which, for me, if fine if it's hot/warm, but not if it is chilly/rainy.
They are both great smaller airports, so I agree with what most people are saying; choose the price and schedule that fits best.

 

[pharmama]

SNA is not anywhere near San Clemente. It's technically in Santa Ana, but it realistically straddles Irvine/Costa Mesa/Santa Ana.

Wording was a little confusing but I think PP meant they live in San Clemente so SNA gets the win for them due to it being closer proximity to where they live.

I also had a touch-and-go experience with LGB and a delayed/almost cancelled flight. Not near as bad as the previous post since we did get out just before they shut down the runway for the night but it was literally people running out to board the plane from both ends as fast as possible with crew yelling at us to get out in time situation. It has given me pause about considering LGB in the future even though I liked everything else about it (to be fair, route changes have given me fewer options to LGB anyway). If, for example, your flight home is the only one on that route for the day I might reconsider LGB...

 

[DLgal]

Wording was a little confusing but I think PP meant they live in San Clemente so SNA gets the win for them due to it being closer proximity to where they live.

I also had a touch-and-go experience with LGB and a delayed/almost cancelled flight. Not near as bad as the previous post since we did get out just before they shut down the runway for the night but it was literally people running out to board the plane from both ends as fast as possible with crew yelling at us to get out in time situation. It has given me pause about considering LGB in the future even though I liked everything else about it (to be fair, route changes have given me fewer options to LGB anyway). If, for example, your flight home is the only one on that route for the day I might reconsider LGB...

SNA also has a time limit on departures and arrivals. I think it's 11pm. I've been rerouted to LAX for return flights both to SNA and LGB after flight delays due to weather.

 

[StarGirl11]

SNA also has a time limit on departures and arrivals. I think it's 11pm. I've been rerouted to LAX for return flights both to SNA and LGB after flight delays due to weather.

Yeah that’s because of the noise ordinance in the area. It’s also why the take off tends to be steep. Because they have to climb and then cut the engines for a bit to clear the ordinance.

I’m not sure if LGB has a noise ordinance. But I do know SNA has one

 

[longboard55]

SNA gets crazy busy for the early 7am flight, after that not bad

 

[DLgal]

Yeah that’s because of the noise ordinance in the area. It’s also why the take off tends to be steep. Because they have to climb and then cut the engines for a bit to clear the ordinance.

I’m not sure if LGB has a noise ordinance. But I do know SNA has one

LGB does not. The SNA takeoff path goes right over some VERY fancy neighborhoods. Those residents have a lot of sway.

 

[Aurora0427]

SNA is not anywhere near San Clemente. It's technically in Santa Ana, but it realistically straddles Irvine/Costa Mesa/Santa Ana.

I find SNA easier than LGB. LGB, when crowded, is slow.

I’m sorry, I live in San Clemente. I know exactly where SNA is. I can get there door to door in 30 minutes. Long Beach takes me 50-55 minutes. I think you misunderstood what I was saying. LOL

 

[DLgal]

I’m sorry, I live in San Clemente. I know exactly where SNA is. I can get there door to door in 30 minutes. Long Beach takes me 50-55 minutes. But thanks.

I misread what you wrote. Oops!

 

[Aurora0427]

I misread what you wrote. Oops!

I edited…. I was super confused for a minute.