I've done international quite a bit out of LAX, but always originating in SFO (by choice). You just have much more options there if you run into problems on your flight into LAX (more frequent UA flights, or other carriers as backup). If you throw in a mechanical problem or weather delay (could be on the LAX side, not OAK), 45 mins does not leave you a lot to play with when you're at Oakland.

Is there some reason you didn't want to do this nonstop from SFO (going for the extra segment or 500 mile min)?

Edited to add: the earlier OAK-LAX (CRJ) flight is 4 hours earlier (0640 departure), making SFO look even better.

[This message has been edited by tom911 (edited 06-08-2002).]