4hrs at LAX or SFO?
 

I have to spend 4 hours in either LAX or SFO connecting between two UA flights (arriving from LHR, connecting to HNL).

Which airport has the better facilities/comfort for passing the time?

I've never flown through SFO, and the last time I was at LAX was a good few years ago and there was masses of construction, so any opinions welcome!

SFO hands down. Much, much better food options. Neat displays.

Definitely SFO.

Hi,

SFO wins for me too.


Regards

TBS

Without question.

Another vote for SFO

Wow. With all of these SFO recommendations, I'm tempted to try and think of a logical reason to suggest LAX...


...Unfortunately, I can't think of one.

How about off-airport options? If the OP is leaving the airport, they will probably find more things close-by LAX than SFO.

How about In-N-Out?

SFO all the way. No questions asked.

definitely sfo because of the nicer ua terminal and the bart! The public transportation in LA just horrible!

SFO, for all of the reasons above, plus LAX-HNL on UA is often a 757 and SFO-HNL is either a 767 or 777.

I've never cleared Customs and Immigration in SFO, but have enjoyed UA's dedicated facilities in LAX's Terminal 7. I suppose that, and the better record of weather delays give LAX some advantages over SFO, but I still think SFO is better, overall.

Hi,

If it is 4 clear hours between flights ( OP is coming from LHR) then at LAX if it is a nice day, the OP could take a taxi to one of the beaches for an hour or two max.

However given the time to clear customs/immigration then reclear security the 4 hours may be down to 3 hours or less and the arrival process would probably be easier at SFO than LAX ( have not used UA to arrive at LAX only VS/KLM @ T2 and BA @ TBIT) as well as the UA/AA terminal being large and nice.

Regards

TBS

This here is the best reason of all. ^ I live on 757's domestically and would always avoid them if there was a widebody option. Long flights in coach feel cramped - legroom is fine, but it feels like there's an inch or two less shoulder room than on a widebody. Even F feels cramped - the underseat stowage is tight and if the guy in front of you reclines, which he will to HNL, you'll almost wish you were back in 16F. :eek:

Definitely SFO. UA's facilities at LAX are disgusting. UA's terminal at SFO (shared with other airlines) has an interesting exhibition on the history of audio recording, many shops and restaurants and far more open space. UA's LAX facility has only a couple of restaurants, most of which are of the dismal fast-food variety, rather nasty bars, limited shops and no open space. The terminal is almost always crowded and noisy.

If you have RCC access, SFO's facility is much, much nicer and tends to have a far better selection of snacks (I've been in the LAX RCC when there was nothing out -- literally, nothing). The bartenders at the SFO are much more attentive as well. I'm not sure whether, as *G, you'd be able to use UA's international RCC at SFO when you're in-bound. It is, however, a very, very nice club room.

Unless you are a sociologist with an interest in bus station ambiance, you definitely want to go through SFO.

If you are a smoker, however, I'd recommend LAX -- there is an air-side smoking area in Terminal 6. At SFO, you'd have to go outside security. ;)