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. ;)

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).

Waiting for your food at In N Out will likely take longer than your connection ;)

You've been in the shared Qantas/AA lounge at LAX and didn't like it? It's one of the nicest domestic U.S. lounges I've been in, with plenty of seating, free computers for internet access, and a pretty nice Flagship Lounge inside behind frosted doors if you can get access (I do on international itineraries). It must be about 2 years old now. AA should open their new Flagship Lounge at JFK next month.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurker1999
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).

For the double-double, animal style, with fries and a chocolate shake, of course. :D

"Animal style"? I don't think I want to know. ;)

SFO has a really neat display on inventions right now.

LHR-LAX-HNL would be 246 more miles vs SFO.

I would say SFO hands down unless you have time to leave the airport or you are worried about fog delays.

Assuming you are in first class, LAX is the far better option. You will have access in LAX to the International First Class Lounge in transit while in SFO you will be stuck in the RCC. Also, never a delay in takeoffs/landings due to fog and UA has its own dedicated immigrations center. LAX for sure.

From the "secret menu" - on their website only -

Animal Style
Burger of your choice with hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, a mustard cooked beef patty; add pickle, extra spread, with grilled onions.

Double-double, of course, is double meat, double cheese.

Yum...:p:p:p

But hide it while inside the fare gate and getting on the train. No eating or drinking on BART and I've seen that enforced more than once.

Ahhh ... but it will be hot and fresh!