Looking for airport/flight advice

[Lehulei88]

Hi all,

We are frequent WDW-goers, planning our first trip to DL later this year. Our kids will be 7 and almost 5 at the time of our trip, and we are coming from the east coast. Kids are used to the ~1.5-2hr flight to WDW and handle it fine.

We can fly direct to LAX, or with a ~2 hr layover in Phoenix or Denver flying into LGB or SNA.

I’m really conflicted. On one hand I like the idea of a direct flight because I’m decreasing our chances of lost luggage or cancelled/delayed flights. On the other hand I’m worried about the additional time/hassle I’ve heard it will take to get into and out of LAX. We will plan to hire a car service from airport to DL (staying at Paradise Pier). I’m curious what others would recommend. Thanks!

 

[maleficent55]

I’m allllll about flying into SNA but also equally all about direct flights. So that’s a tough one.

Both of your kids are in boosters so if you opt for the direct to LAX, look into Lansky as a shuttle option. They DO provide car seats/boosters
Unless you’re traveling with your own, then just do an XL Uber/lyft

 

[dieumeye]

Really depends on your flight preference. I’d go for the nonstop flight because I prefer that for the reasons you mentioned.

For LAX, what is your exact plan for transportation because that can make a difference.

If you hire a private car service to pick you up, it’ll be easiest. Your driver will meet you curbside right outside baggage claim.

If you plan to use Uber/Lyft then you’ll need to take a free shuttle from baggage claim to the rideshare pickup lot and then meet your Uber/Lyft there. It’s not horrible but it does add time and complication.

 

[ParkHopper1]

LAX is a no brainer IMO for non stop…the extra travel and layover time is not worth saving 30 min of driving time even if there is traffic.

All thing being equal SAN and LGB are a better choice but you need to factor everything in including travel time for that to remain true.

 

[mouschievous]

In this situation, and given the uncertainty of air travel right now, I would choose the direct flight every time. I know too many people who have had entire trips canceled because their flight was delayed and they wouldn't be able to make the connection, and there was no guarantee when they'd be able to get them on another flight. Yes, SNA is an easier airport because it is smaller, but LAX is no problem either.

For ground transport, I would book with Lansky.

 

[Aspencreek]

Don't forget to take time / day of week the flight is landing into consideration. Can be quite a lot of gridlock getting from LAX to Anaheim depending on when you arrive. We usually do SNA and will only do LAX if it is mid-day or late evening to avoid the <1 hour drive turning into 2+.

 

[Astylla]

This is tough because almost always I would say SNA/LGB but..given the logistics and having kids in tow..nonstop seems better.
I don't love LAX but when I have a car it's not that bad. You can also look into Ontario or Burbank too.

 

[Pluto468]

SNA is my favorite to fly into, but I'd go with LAX to avoid the layover. Have you looked at Burbank airport or Long Beach? We went into Burbank last time and it was super nice. Then we left through SNA. Most shuttle companies pick up from all the airports in the area. We used Sunny's.

LAX isn't THAT bad. I mean, it isn't a cozy little airport but it gets the job done, especially if you're using a shuttle service anyway. I used to live 15 minutes away from there so it was my home airport for 8 years. I think it's just like any huge airport in a city you aren't familiar with. I never want to see O'hare again, but I've been in and out of Logan so many times it doesn't phase me.

 

[RoseColored97]

While SNA is the best airport to fly into (also nostalgic because this is always where we flew into when I was younger...I can hear the "Welcome to John Wayne Airport" announcement in my head).

That being said - LAX is a dream compared to Charlotte Douglass and even Denver. I will echo everyone else - go with LAX for the direct flight and then go with a company that will do curbside pickup for ground transportation.

 

[Lehulei88]

Really depends on your flight preference. I’d go for the nonstop flight because I prefer that for the reasons you mentioned.

For LAX, what is your exact plan for transportation because that can make a difference.

If you hire a private car service to pick you up, it’ll be easiest. Your driver will meet you curbside right outside baggage claim.

If you plan to use Uber/Lyft then you’ll need to take a free shuttle from baggage claim to the rideshare pickup lot and then meet your Uber/Lyft there. It’s not horrible but it does add time and complication.

Planning to hire private service I think, just for the convenience/less stress with the kids.

 

[Lehulei88]

SNA is my favorite to fly into, but I'd go with LAX to avoid the layover. Have you looked at Burbank airport or Long Beach? We went into Burbank last time and it was super nice. Then we left through SNA. Most shuttle companies pick up from all the airports in the area. We used Sunny's.

LAX isn't THAT bad. I mean, it isn't a cozy little airport but it gets the job done, especially if you're using a shuttle service anyway. I used to live 15 minutes away from there so it was my home airport for 8 years. I think it's just like any huge airport in a city you aren't familiar with. I never want to see O'hare again, but I've been in and out of Logan so many times it doesn't phase me.

I travel some for work so I’ve “learned” to navigate O’hare, Logan, JFK, etc. But that’s all been by myself. I think I’ve got myself psyched out that LAX with 2 kids is going to be a mess but it’s sounding like maybe it’s manageable based on the feedback I’m getting.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I travel some for work so I’ve “learned” to navigate O’hare, Logan, JFK, etc. But that’s all been by myself. I think I’ve got myself psyched out that LAX with 2 kids is going to be a mess but it’s sounding like maybe it’s manageable based on the feedback I’m getting.

It is manageable. Just keep in mind that it is BUSY, and that there is always traffic. It is very doable, especially since you have experience flying to other airports. If in doubt, just find someone that works there and ask.

I live about 15 minutes from LAX, and fly from there exclusively.

 

[soniam]

Do LAX. You will have better options for getting flights if yours are canceled. There might also be more food options and at better times, if needed. Important with kids. Also, LAX may have more flight staff on hand if your flight crew is about to hit max hours.

 

[ktlm]

From our home airport we have a choice between direct flights to LAX or a fly into SNA that involves a stop. Having flown into LAX one time, we pick SNA every time. It is so much easier. Less crowded. Security is usually quick when you are flying out of there. It is a whole lot closer to DLR. If you are renting a car it is right there and you don't have to take a tram to get there. If not, DLR is a quick Taxi or Uber ride away. SNA to DLR is usually 20 minutes--- while LAX to DLR is anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Nonstop is great- especially with all the flight delays right now--- but we find LAX to be such a pain as opposed to SNA.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

As other PPs noted, go with LAX and hire a car service.

 

[Malcon10t]

I agree with LAX to avoid hassles of layovers. But do hire a car service. Best travel time I have had from LAX is 45 mins with no traffic. But I have also had 90 mins. Your arrival time will make the difference.

 

[Gypsybear]

I'm an SNA person myself, but we have the option flying direct. Since you don't have that option, and will have kids in tow, I think LAX will be a better fit for you.

 

[evilmommie]

SNA is wonderful - a breath of fresh air compared to LAX. I get the direct flight advantage of LAX but man, it’s a hassle. I live local in S. OC and pretty much only use LAX for international travel. The $’s it takes for a private car to pick you up curbside is worth it at LAX, if you go that route.

 

[RunnerMom71]

Last time I flew into LAX (at 10:30 at night..) I had to wait MORE than an hour for the car to reach me because airport traffic was a disaster. I avoid that airport as it's one of the worse in the country IMO for airport curbside congestion. SNA or Long Beach every time

Not to mention LA traffic to Anaheim depending on time of day. It can be mind numbing

 

[lalasmama]

I'm going to be the voice of dissent...

I'd totally go for a short layover. Admittedly, 2 out of 3our kids and 2 out of 5 grands have ADHD. Those layovers are life savers. Time to walk around (run if we find an empty gate!), snack/meal time, general stretching and being more than 2" apart. Pairing that layover with a quicker drive to the hotel is a win-win for our crew!