We are going to Disneyland right after Christmas and are wondering whether we should fly directly to John Wayne Airport or LAX airport and drive from there. How long and crazy is the drive through LA to get to Anaheim? We're not used to freeways and such but it seems like we could get one way flights from Calgary to LAX but not to John Wayne Airport. Does anyone have anything to assist us in making our decision?
Thanks

You need one way flights?
If D'land is your main attraction I would suggest John Wayne airport, it is so much closer. Will you be staying in that area also? Long Beach airport is small and closer than LAX, if that is an option.

Assuming you have driven on freeways before it should be no problem to drive from LAX to Anaheim.
You will encounter traffic,but it's no big problem. I would use the 405 to the 22 and get off at Harbor Blvd.
Depending on the time of day it can be easily driven in 40 minutes.

You can utilize the carpool lanes at the far left side of the freeway/s. Enter and exit at the designated areas, and look for the diamond symbol.

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I'm one for always getting the best price and the shortest flight if I have multiple airport options. If the flight is a little longer because of a stop that's not as big of a deal as the price. I would guess you could get better prices flying into LAX. John Wayne is more convenient and easier to get around when picking up car rental, etc. So it boils down to the price and time difference for you flight along with factoring in picking up rental car.

As far as the drive, it depends on time of day your flight arrives. If it's the middle of the day, traffic shouldn't be much of a problem. If it's later (after 3pm) then it will take you more time but as jean pointed out, you can use the carpool lane which will definitely help.

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That is, unless it's MUCH later, like after 8 p.m., in which case it'll ease up again.

I live here in Orange County - and do everything I can to fly out of SNA as opposed to LAX - but like others have mentioned - it just depends on:

1. The price difference
2. The stops

If we can fly direct we will often go to LAX - but even sometimes then it is just not worth it -

To drive from anaheim to LAX could be 30-40 minutes easy - it is not "hard" to get to D-land from LAX -

Yes, do think about the times of arrival and the times of departure and the fact that LAX will be a zoo that time of year.

But so will SNA and because it is often not use to the volume - luggage can be an issue at SNA - we have waited a LONG time before for Luggage...

American Airlines has o/w flights from Calgary to John Wayne. Flying into John Wayne is the best way to go. No traffic, very easy to navigate and no stress. Disneyland is a hop, skip and jump away. Like Paula said- factor all your costs: car rental costs, flight schedules/costs, driving time, more/less vacation time etc.

MomDDTravel -

Exactly how much of a zoo will LAX be at that time of year? My daughter and I are doing a short trip to Disneyland to see the holiday decorations the week before Christmas and we'll be departing from LAX on 12/23. (I usually fly into SNA but the tickets were over $100 more each.)

Have always deliberately chosen NOT to travel during Christmas due to the number of people traveling then, but this trip we couldn't do it at a less crowded time.

How early should we get to the airport to check in - I've read that there are huge lines and that the usual 1.5 - 2 hours before your flight may not be enough.

Yes Socal - dh and I will often fly out of SNA - but when we were traveling with 6 people (our four children) would make the trip to LAX since - 25.00 - 50.00 in airfare is a lot X 6

If you arrive at LAX during any bad traffic situation it can take as long as hours to get to Anaheim. If you do I would suggest the 405 also instead of going on the 10, the 105, 101, or the 5.

Oh D-Land is so wonderful @ Christmas time! I often go for my B-day at that time of year. I am one of the folks that just loves it there .

I would plan on getting to LAX NO later than 2 hours for a domestic flight - it is the security lines often that are a mess. Do you have any "status" with your airlines to get in the first class line? They just have horrible systems there - it can take forever. I often am very tested on my patience in line for security.

I think sf7307 has given you very good advice about the 3 PM cutoff for going southbound on the 405 ("San Diego Freeway" to us old timers). That is the critical time, in my experience, to enter the FWY. Of course, 15 minutes earlier would be even better. If you are much later than 4 PM, your trip time will be considerably lengthened (and your stress level increased).


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

well, it wasn't me, it was paula, but I'm happy to take credit for it

I hear you Mom. I'm practical. If it's going to cost me hundreds just to fly out of SNA - I'd much rather spend the money somewhere else. Plus, you're so enthusiastic getting to your destination the hassle isn't even bothersome. Coming home is a different story. LOL

" 3 PM cutoff for going southbound on the 405"

I'd rather get into a shouting match with Mel Gibson than travel the 405 after 3 or 4 p.m. The only good thing is that the OP is coming the week after Christmas so traffic should be a little lighter with school out and lots of people taking that particular week off work.

Micah3 - if you really don't want to drive the LA freeways and end up flying to LAX- there are Airport Shuttles that will drop you off at your hotel. Then you can pick up your car rental in OC. if you need one. Another option, we hire a sedan. No guarantee you'll miss traffic but at least it won't be stressful behind the wheel. These are all things you can think about and what works best for you.

sf7307-thanks for giving me the credit LOL.
Thanks also for pointing out that things get better after 7pm.

Tom-too funny about comparing the 405 to Mel Gibson. It's 4pm right now and have been dealing with the 405 this afternoon. Just got off in Long Beach and then need to go south to go home to San Diego county. The south side has been terrible since 2pm today so I am visiting my daughter awhile before I go home.

I would try to use OC airport if possible do the comparisions first. Disneyland is beautiful at Christmas.

We frequently fly in and out of LAX at Christmas time and it can be a zoo, but we usually get out of there pretty easily. Do make sure you are there at least 2 hrs. before flight time tho. I have found the luggage at SNA has taken longer than the luggage at LAX and the flight costs (for where we fly) have been considerably cheaper at LAX in recent times. We do use SNA if the flight is a nonstop and the cost is close to the cost from LAX. I'd recommend using one of the shuttles or buses from LAX to an Anaheim Hotel and then rent a car there unless you are leaving that area and would have to go back there to turn the car in before you head back to LAX. We took the 405 the other day from Newport Beach to LAX and it took us only about 40-45 min at 2:30 PM - you just never know.