Our SAN vs LAX experience:
We flew Midwest Express in/out of LAX January 2000. It was run down and dirty, 50-s looking, and very cheaply tried to update. I said something to my sis. She said we were flown into the old part.
But, LAX has their act together better than San Diego airport. And it is a LOVELY view when flying in and out.
Flying into LAX looks like you should hear the Dragnet theme music in the background.
And leaving, you fly out over the ocean (and circle back) and it's very nice!!
We flew into SAN May 1999, we remember having to walk quite aways just to get to the luggage pick-up. And when we finally did, just with our luck, their dang fire alarm went off and we had to evacuate the building. It took a half hour. Then were allowed in to pick up our luggage.
SAN has a noise ordinance too that does not allow planes to fly certain hours. I think it's midnight to 6 a.m. And the biggie -- only ONE runway.
And you will notice a strong military presence in S.D. (But not as big as it use to be, before that big base was shut down.) If a national emergency happened, the military would take over the one run way SAN does have! (Not likely to happen while you are on vacation. hehehe)
LAX is easier for travelers, in our experiences. I found on our last visit, that rental cars were cheaper at LAX than San Diego too. I saved $30 by getting it at LAX, rather than S.D.
Just don't stay at a hotel east of the 405. (I think it's the 405 that runs beside LAX.) We stayed at the Comfort Inn, right off the east 405 ramp. The room wasn't bad for the price, but even that area is unsettling. I wouldn't do it again to save a few bucks. DH took his life in his own hands just by walking next door to a run down liquor store to use their ATM. The Comfort Inn didn't even have one.
If I was flying in for S.D. again, I would check out John Wayne airport.
We are flying into Ontario this time because that is closer to my sister's than LAX.
AK : Lions, Tiggers & Bears! Oh My!
CSR: 01/01
DL- off site: 05/01
WDW - on site: 01/02
