Hi all,

Thanks for the responses.

Like TBS says, I am coming in from LHR, so I do need to clear immigration etc, so it is not 4 clear hours.

Cheers,
Adam

For what it's worth, I've found clearing customs (as an American citizen) at LAX and SFO to be similar, one is no better (or worse) than the other.

OK, curiosity got the best of me, so I checked the UA timetable. Not sure of your dates, but it looks like both SFO and LAX follow a similar pattern: four flights a day to HNL, with the last one of the day being a narrowbody. Also: it appears that at least SFO has some legal connections that are a bit shorter than four hours (more like two and change).

So I'd pick a set of flights that keep you off of those 752's - regardless of the airport involved. If that gets you SFO, all the better...

Thanks for the advice. I am travelling April next year (looking for award travel also for the Mrs). I usually look at long connection times, as I have to clear immigration/reclear security as a Brit, and allowing for delays out of LHR/into SFO. Though will definately look for the 767/777.

If you have 3 hours left, you can still get to Downtown SF and back on BART

With all respect, I would NEVER do that with only 3 hours.

And the reality is that UA will change your schedule at least 3 times between now and then. :(

Agreed. BART has cut back on trains to the airport, and any delay could cause you to miss your flight. There is only one highway route to the airport from downtown SF, and trying to do it in rush hour can be a nightmare if you decide to cab it.

^

You're not wrong there... much advanced calculating will no doubt go out the window between now and April (another reason to plan a longer connection from the start) :(

I rarely hear of it mentioned on FT (perhaps due to the excellent food options available at SFO), but there is an In-N-Out across the street from the Millbrae BART station, one stop ($3 RT) away from SFO.

About the only real advantage I can think of for LAX would be weather, but with lounge access, I would favor booking a longer connection anyway to compensate for that -- or for anything else that might delay the start of my holiday!

I also vote for SFO anyday over LAX.

The Delta terminal at LAX (Terminal 5) is a nicer environment than 6/7/8. Now that the underground tunnel connecting 5 and 6 is open, I spend layovers drinking with the DL pax :).

If it strikes your fancy 4 hours is definitely enough to hit up the Millbrae In-N-Out Burger at SFO. Just take the BART one stop to Millbrae and you can see the sign for In-N-Out from the station after you climb up the stairs. Get your order to go if you're worried about time and head back to SFO and your connecting UA flight. The nice thing about the BART machines at SFO is that they'll allow you to charge small amounts to your credit card vs. the minimum purchase amount at the other stations so put just enough for the return ticket on the card ($3).

Okay, I've got to ask: why would someone want to bother?

LAX does have a number of nearby full nude strip clubs ;) ^ Not sure about the comparative strip club situation near SFO :D

lounges in LA are no good.
 

I have not been in United lounge in LA, but for orther lounges (Thai, Eva, & American Airline) are no good. They have nothing...but soft drink...sad.

I think 4 hours stopover in LA you really can not go anywhere. Traffic, cost, immigration...definitely is not worth your time, and you will see nothing but LA freeways (although surrounding airport has a lot of beaches & cool places).


I live in LA >20 yrs, I think you could have a little bit fun if you come to LA prior to all of the tight security checks but not now. Assuming you are lucky, plane on time, the immigration is not long, Minimum out=30 minutes, in = 30 minutes...1 hour is gone. Waiting for bus or shuttle 20 minutes x2 = 40 minutes, 2 hours is almost gone. Taxi...don't even think about it, unless u r rich and ask they wait for you, or else you may not find a taxi outside of airport on the way back.

I would just stay put in airport, check e-mail, take a shower (if u have lounge access). If you are so bore, get out and take hotel shuttle (it's free), go to Sheraton for Starbucks coffee, walk down couple block for Carl's Jr Hamburger (they are not too good anyway).