I will be off to LAX in F on a redemption this summer, and just trying to figure out my internal flight plan.
I will probably spend the weekend with friends in LA, and then fly up north.
Keen to avoid the traffic and hassle of LAX, so trying to fly out of SAN (san Diego) or ONT (Ontario, CA) , and plan to fly either to SEA or Portland, Oregon which I understand is the closest major airport to where the Spruce Goose is
www.sprucegoose.com.
I am Silver with United until the end of 2005, so keen to book pre-demotion to enable E+ seating if I fly United, but also interested to know whether you believe it worthwhile foregoing E+ and travelling Y on Alaska or even upgrading to F on the Alaska/AA codeshare (which I understand is 150% BA miles but no TPs or lounge access, even on AA codeshare).
You can use the AS Board Room with a FC BP (only at LAX and SEA - no BRs in SAN, ONT, LGB, BUR or SNA.) AS Y is okay, FC is not that much better on coastal flights (nice people, minimal food.) I'd go E+.
How far is McMinnville from Portland, Oregon, (time-wise) and is there anything else to see in the vicinity? Suggestions on where to stay ($150-$200 range per night).
Around an hour from PDX. www.mcmenamins.com
Is it realistic to drive from McMinnville up to Seattle? Anything else I should check out in Seattle?
Sure, tons. Big city, lots of diversions, beautiful scenery, markets, pubs, ferries... The drive from McMV would be around 4 1/2 hrs. Or you can take the inexpensive, scenic train from Portland - around 4 hours.
I will be flying on AS SEA-PSP one way, drive to LAS (ovoiding the overpriced car rental firms in LAS) and then a few nights at Wynn and Barry Manilow Concert (there, I am not ashamed!!) before he croaks and back for shops and culture in SFO, probably on TED.
I see from search that
Aerotec and
ChickenorBeef recently visited, so any input from them would be appreciated.