Traffic in to LAX on a Saturday Afternoon

[egritz]

I just got notification from Southwest that our return flight out of SNA on a Saturday was cancelled and they switched us from an afternoon flight to morning. Originally we would have been able to enjoy the parks until we needed to leave for Orange County/John Wayne Airport at noon....now our flight leaves at 10:30.

We are considering changing our departure to LAX - what sort of traffic can we expect on a Saturday afternoon? There is a 2:55 flight that would work assuming leaving DLR area at noon via Uber.

 

[dina444444]

I just got notification from Southwest that our return flight out of SNA on a Saturday was cancelled and they switched us from an afternoon flight to morning. Originally we would have been able to enjoy the parks until we needed to leave for Orange County/John Wayne Airport at noon....now our flight leaves at 10:30.

We are considering changing our departure to LAX - what sort of traffic can we expect on a Saturday afternoon? There is a 2:55 flight that would work assuming leaving DLR area at noon via Uber.

I would leave no later than 12, traffic getting to the airport should be minimal. It’s traffic at the airport and getting through security that you will need time for. Did you look to see if southwest has any flights out of Long Beach to your destination?

 

[egritz]

Ugh I don't see a way to edit the post, the flight is actually at 1:55 or another at 3:55.

I haven't yet, is Long Beach an easier drive/airport to fly out of?

 

[egritz]

I just checked Long Beach, the only direct flight to our home airport is in the evening or first thing in the morning.

 

[tarheelalum]

Yes Long Beach is much easier to drive to and fly out of in my experience.

 

[dina444444]

I would pick Long Beach over LAX. Much much easier to get in and out of. Only one terminal.

 

[egritz]

Unfortunately Long Beach flights will not work for us - the only afternoon flight is not direct and gets us home later than we want (we want to play in DL in the morning, but be home in time to see our kids for bedtime).

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I would choose the later lax flight if you want to get some park time in. You should be fine if you leave by 1:00pm.

 

[SteveMP]

Its usually 45min to an hourish, depending on traffic. Just make sure to look at traffic before you leave and possibly during. An accident can quickly add an extra 30 or more minutes onto your drive. I walk fast so never have an issue at LAX, even though you could potentially have to walk a lot.

 

[egritz]

Thanks for everyone's input, I think I'll go ahead and switch our flight for that Saturday

 

[SteveMP]

Thanks for everyone's input, I think I'll go ahead and switch our flight for that Saturday

Have a aafe flight! Another bonus of LAX is you may be able to buy some cheap Dodgers gear now

 

[egritz]

Have a aafe flight! Another bonus of LAX is you may be able to buy some cheap Dodgers gear now

hahaha! actually a nice bonus was the LAX flight is cheaper so I now have enough RR to potentially pay for a 2nd adult-only trip later in the year! WOOT!

 

[egritz]

(I had used RR for my original flight reservation, so I ended up "saving" a few thousand RR points. I sure do like the flexibility of paying with points.)

 

[SteveMP]

(I had used RR for my original flight reservation, so I ended up "saving" a few thousand RR points. I sure do like the flexibility of paying with points.)

The other nice thing about RR travel is you can cancel your flight 10 minutes before it departs and get your points refunded, even on "wanna get away" fares. We did this recently.