which flight for more park time on last day?

[Always Dream]

Hi all,

Which would give me more time in the parks on my last day, a 9 pm flight out of SNA or an 11:55 pm flight out of LAX? I'm staying at the DLH and it'll be a Monday night.

I'll probably use one of the shuttle services to get to the airport, and I'm concerned they'll build in an awful lot of buffer time for LAX - which might eliminate any extra time gained from the later flight. If that's the case I think I'd rather just go with the smaller airport!

thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

We are "get there 2 hours before" people (especially after nearly missing our flight once b/c of poor communication and my stupidity).

So 11:55 = getting there at 9:55. Getting to LAX at 9:55 in just about any way = leaving at around 7:30 IMO. If it's shuttle, they DO pad time in b/c they have other people and other stops, if it's rental car you have to get there, gas up, get to the car place, shuttle to the airport. I would likely leave with all my bags, leave as in getting IN the vehicle, at 7.

9 = get there at 7, but a much shorter ride. Taxi takes, what, 20 minutes? Shuttle takes more time b/c of more people and stops, so give it an hour at least.

So yes, LAX gives you a bit more time, BUT there's also a greater chance of problems along the way, since you have to travel a longer distance.


I have yet to really find an SNA flight that's cheap enough for me to take advantage of it (and we actually kind of like LAX...their TSA people have been VERY VERY KIND to us, including letting us through with a huge plastic sword AND a "stormtrooper blaster" in our carryons (we did get a lecture, but honestly it was the housekeeper's fault b/c she threw away the box they were going to go in and ride in our soft-sided luggage, and the lecture wasn't SO bad), and at LAX there's always a chance of seeing a celebrity.

But it does add a bit more stress, b/c you never know if there's an accident halfway there, etc, than just going basically across town to SNA.

 

[skiingfast]

The thing I saw it maybe traffic on the early flight because of rush hour, even though it is a short difference. But going later to LAX will put you just past rush hour so it should be easy sailing.

 

[sportbettor]

Another thing is you are more likely to encounter a long line at security at LAX than at SNA. I've waited an hour at the LAX security line before (SWA terminal line went through the roped queue out the door and like 1/8 mile up the road outside). That won't happen at 11pm but still ive never had a big wait at SNA security.

 

[Always Dream]

thanks for all the advice so far - I think using a shuttle service I might just break even given the necessity to leave a buffer at LAX.

Anyone know how soon I could find out when the shuttle would pick me up, or do I get to choose a time?

I could also get a 9pm flight out of long beach, would this be about the same as flying out of SNA? Does anyone know how much cab fair would be to each one (not LAX)?

 

[brenda1966]

I'd probably book the 9pm out of SNA. When you book your super shuttle, you input the time your flight leaves and then it gives you pick up times to choose from based on your location and destination. So, you could go do that now if you know your hotel. You don't have to complete the booking -- just get an idea of what pick up times those flights give you.

 

[Always Dream]

Hmmm this is a tough call. I'm just doing a weekend trip (Friday to Monday) and I really want all the park time I can get, but don't want to be stressed about getting to the airport. I also found a 9 pm flight out of long beach airport, does anyone have any experience with that one? It is a direct flight and so would make for a nicer trip home.

Another question, and this may seem strange... Do a lot of people use shared van service (that's what I'm looking at) to get to/from the DLH? Will I be uncomfortable standing outside the hotel waiting for the van?

 

[brenda1966]

Another question, and this may seem strange... Do a lot of people use shared van service (that's what I'm looking at) to get to/from the DLH? Will I be uncomfortable standing outside the hotel waiting for the van?

You mean Super Shuttle? My Super Shuttle from Hojo's stopped at the DL hotel. No one laughed.

 

[Hawleys]

Hmmm this is a tough call. I'm just doing a weekend trip (Friday to Monday) and I really want all the park time I can get, but don't want to be stressed about getting to the airport. I also found a 9 pm flight out of long beach airport, does anyone have any experience with that one? It is a direct flight and so would make for a nicer trip home.

Another question, and this may seem strange... Do a lot of people use shared van service (that's what I'm looking at) to get to/from the DLH? Will I be uncomfortable standing outside the hotel waiting for the van?

Many, many people use SuperShuttle. I've had SuperShuttle pick me up at the Grand Californian and no one (including the bell hops) blinked an eye.

My vote is for Orange County all the way. The ride is way shorter and you are much less likely to hit traffic. LAX is huge and just more of a pain to navigate. If you are considering SuperShuttle, there is a price difference between OC ($10) and LAX ($16) as well. You can usually get a coupon code for $2-3 dollars off your fare as well.

I prefer to get to the Orange County airport 1 to 1.5 hours ahead of my departure time. When SuperShuttle asks me what time my flight is departing, I add an extra 30-45 minutes to get a later pick up time. I may get burned doing this someday but so far it's worked out.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I vote for Tuesday Morning!

 

[Always Dream]

Hi again,

thanks for all the great info. In the end I found another flight - 9 pm flight out of long beach - that was direct for the same price so I booked that. I just didn't want to deal with LAX at the end of what will hopefully be a relaxing time!

Also good to know noone will care if I'm taking the shuttle from the DLH. I once did something similar from one of the Universal-run hotels in Florida and felt really awkward standing out front as bell hops kept asking me over and over again how they could help me. Maybe there's a bench or something I could wait on!

I think I'll aim to get to the airport at about 8. If I decide to take a taxi instead, any idea what time I should call? I'm guessing it will be the tail end of rush hour.

 

[sierranevada]

Hi again,

thanks for all the great info. In the end I found another flight - 9 pm flight out of long beach - that was direct for the same price so I booked that. I just didn't want to deal with LAX at the end of what will hopefully be a relaxing time!

Also good to know noone will care if I'm taking the shuttle from the DLH. I once did something similar from one of the Universal-run hotels in Florida and felt really awkward standing out front as bell hops kept asking me over and over again how they could help me. Maybe there's a bench or something I could wait on!

I think I'll aim to get to the airport at about 8. If I decide to take a taxi instead, any idea what time I should call? I'm guessing it will be the tail end of rush hour.

Long Beach is a great airport - my second choice after SNA. It is small and maybe only 5 minutes further than SNA. Easy to get to.

Taxi is easy - they are usually lined up close to the hotel and one of the CM will call one over for you. Fare back to LGB is $45 ish.

 

[splash5]

LGB is a short ride and a small airport. Much less stressful for you. Good choice!