11:00 a.m. Flight out of LAX

[momof3cruisers]

Am I crazy to book a flight that early? My next option is around 3:30 for the same price/flight. I'd rather not hang around the airport all day but don't want to miss the flight either. Debarking from the Sapphire on a Thursday.

 

I've never missed a flight through my own fault before. What do they do? Can you then fly standby?

[Gunner22aa]

Personally I would be more comfortable with the later one. You never know traffic and what if the ship is late getting back to port for a mechanical issue or something. As to what would happen if you miss your flight that will be very airline specific. The outcome could be anything from them accomodating you on the next available flight to you having to buy a complete new ticket. Check the policy of your particular carrier.

[Colo Cruiser]

Am I crazy to book a flight that early? My next option is around 3:30 for the same price/flight. I'd rather not hang around the airport all day but don't want to miss the flight either. Debarking from the Sapphire on a Thursday.

 

I've never missed a flight through my own fault before. What do they do? Can you then fly standby?

 

 

You will be fine, we take a 10:00 flight as often as we sail out of San Pedro.

Just get in the first walk off group around 7:00am and take a cab to the airport. (approx $60 up to 4 people).

Just in case have an alternative plan. :)

[Cruisin' Chick]

If I were you, I would NOT book the earlier flight. As a native Angeleno,all of my flights out of this area has involved LAX, and it can get very congested around the airport. I used to commute on the 405 and have rarely not see it bumper to bumper on weekdays and even on some weekends.

 

There may be some people who have been very lucky (Colo Cruiser always seems to point out his successes, but be aware again, he either is very lucky or his gambling has yet to catch up with him). But, honesty, did you want to cap off a relaxing cruise with the stress of trying to make a flight. There is a reason that all of the cruise lines recommended booking your pre-cruise flight out of LAX no earlier than 1pm. Noon may be doable if the disembarking gods smile upon you.

 

For the 3:30 flight, you'll want to be at the airport by 2:30 at the latest, so maybe look around the western destinations board for some advice about how to spend your morning. For example, if you can head over to Long Beach, and go to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The front desk will hold your luggage while you enjoy one of the best aquariums around.

[Colo Cruiser]

If I were you' date=' I would NOT book the earlier flight. As a native Angeleno,all of my flights out of this area has involved LAX, and it can get very congested around the airport. I used to commute on the 405 and have rarely not see it bumper to bumper on weekdays and even on some weekends.

 

There may be some people who have been very lucky (Colo Cruiser always seems to point out his successes, but be aware again, he either is very lucky or his gambling has yet to catch up with him). But, honesty, did you want to cap off a relaxing cruise with the stress of trying to make a flight. There is a reason that all of the cruise lines recommended booking your pre-cruise flight out of LAX no earlier than 1pm. Noon may be doable if the disembarking gods smile upon you.

 

For the 3:30 flight, you'll want to be at the airport by 2:30 at the latest, so maybe look around the western destinations board for some advice about how to spend your morning. For example, if you can head over to Long Beach, and go to the Aquarium of the Pacific. The front desk will hold your luggage while you enjoy one of the best aquariums around.[/quote']

 

 

Hey nothing wrong with letting folks know that it can be done and that if they do try they don't have to look at it like its the end of the world.

Any flight during the day could be an issue. Some may need to get home for any number of reasons and having a 4 hour window before a flight is plenty of time.

Like I always say have an alternative plan.

I guess if we stay on this flight everytime we fly from LAX yeah maybe sooner or later we will get "caught", but we have not in 15+ years so I am not about to change now. :D

[AZ Ocean Lover]

It might depend on whether you are arriving in LA on a weekend or weekday. We arrived on a weekend and had a noon flight and we got there about 8:30 and we took the Princess shuttle. If you walk off early and take a cab you should be fine. Can't guarantee the lines at security or the ticket counter. We always carryon.

[Astro Flyer]

I'm another Angelino who would not depend upon everything going perfectly to make an 11:00 flight from LAX. Beyond traffic delays I've also experienced delays in San Pedro with insufficient immigration & custom agents.

[Husky61]

The choice is yours. But to give you an example of how L.A. traffic can be, it took us two hours one day to get from Seal Beach to LAX. One never knows how traffic will be on the L.A. freeways.

[critterchick]

I think you'll be fine with the 11:00 flight. There are plenty of alternate routes that can get you to LAX in time if the 405 is a parking lot - on surface streets it's about an hour from the pier to LAX going on the very pretty coastal route.

 

But you need to be certain that you are in line with the first walk-off group disembarking the ship, otherwise any delay in immigration processing will hold you up.

 

If disaster strikes and you aren't going to make your flight, you need to call the airline to let them know, otherwise you'll be deemed a no-show and forfeit your fare. Most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight, but there's no telling when that will be, as most flights fly out full.

 

You can speed things up at LAX by applying for Global Entry or TSA pre-check (not sure if that program is up and running for everybody to apply), which will put you in a security line where you don't have to remove your shoes, take your 3-1-1 bag or laptop out of your bag, etc. if you are flying on a participating airline.

[cattolica]

Lived in the L.A. area for decades, I would not recommend the 11am flight especially since you are arriving on a weekday. The stress of getting to the airport on time could really spoil your whole vacation.

Just because you sign up for self disembarkation does NOT mean you will be in the first group. You don't just go get in a line. Each group is limited to 200 passengers and there are usually 4 to 6 groups. Not everyone can be first off the ship.

 

Think about booking the later flight and asking to be in the last group to disembark. By then it will be later and the better part of the morning rush hour will be gone (of course unless there is a mass accident or construction). Then you can relax in your shuttle or taxi ride to the airport and getting through the lines and to your gate. If you still have time to wait it will give you time to have a relaxing lunch at the airport.

 

Just some suggestions.

[Pam in CA]

Those who live near LA (myself included) are unanimous: "Don't do it." Those who don't live anywhere near LA say, "Go for it!" Hmmm....

 

Princess recommends flights no earlier than five hours after scheduled arrival for a reason. With a 7am arrival, that's Noon. It's not unusual for it to take half an hour or more just to get from the entrance to LAX to your terminal. LAX recommends arriving for check-in two hours before a domestic flight, three hours before an international flight because besides traffic getting to the airport, it can take quite a while to get through check-in and Security.

 

I would chance it only if you have the option of getting seats on the later flight with no penalty. You could make it and wind up having extra time but is that stress and the possibility that you'll miss your flight worth hanging around the airport for another three hours? It isn't to me but this is a question you should ask your self.

[ceba]

I fly in and out of there frequently, and on more that one occasion have had to stand in security for more than an hour. The first time this happened the security people were not sympathetic to the chance of me missing my flight. I personally wouldn't risk it.

[DrivesLikeMario]

I would not take the earlier flight. Although we managed to make a 10:30am flight once, we did walk-off and were within the first 10 people off the ship, raced to the shuttle which unfortunately had to make a stop on the way at Hermosa Beach, made it to LAX and literally had to run for the gate. Security lines can be pretty bad at LAX so that alone would deter me from ever booking that early of a flight there again. (BTW, Princess booked that early flight, not us.)

 

When we got off the Sapphire two weeks ago, we did walk-off disembarkation and were at our car by 8:00am. People just a couple groups after us got held up at security and it took them a very, very long time to finally leave the terminal. You never know what's going to happen.

 

Take the later flight and walk around the shops at LAX, have lunch and/or surf the internet to waste some time.

[Loonbeam]

From my FAQ:

 

Can I Make my XX:XX Flight?

 

This question comes up a lot and the safe answer is:

If you have to ask? No.

Most disembarkation ports have a suggested earliest flight time for a reason (and most lines will not provide transfers for departures prior to that). Those times are suggested for a reason, to allow for not only the expected challenges of arrival and disembarkation but also to provide a safety cushion.

Unfortunately, the airlines know this and price flights from those port cities accordingly. So sometimes you do have to consider an earlier flight (note – later flights might be cheaper as well, always consider that option if it fits your plans. There is no such thing as too much time to get to the airport.

If you do want to take a flight before the suggested times, there are a number of things to consider:

 

• How much luggage do you have? Princess offers a self-debarkation option. These passengers are often first off the ship giving you the best shot at an early flight. Passengers choosing this option MUST be able to handle ALL of their own luggage WITHOUT assistance and possibly with limited access to elevators. This option can greatly increase flight flexibility.
  
• How many ships will be arriving the same day as yours? How big? – The number of ships in port will affect the time it takes to clear customs, availability of taxis, congestion at port gates, etc. As an example, if the Island Princess is the only ship in port, I would be much more comfortable about an early flight than say if the Royal was porting at the same time as the Allure of the Seas and perhaps the Ruby as well. The more ships, the more possibility of issues arising.
  
• What port? – Some ports are noted for customs delays, traffic issues, etc. Identify where the airline is in relation to the port and how you get there. Ft. Lauderdale is relatively close to the airport and on a fairly fast-travel route. San Francisco is in another city along one of the worst highways in the country for congestion.
  
• What day/time are you arriving? Rush hour on a Tuesday or before dawn on a Saturday?
  
• Transport? Planning on a taxi or car service? Car services provide the advantage of a guaranteed waiting vehicle, at a higher cost.
  
• Finally, what is Plan B? Are there later flights you can hope to get on (at possibly some expense) if you miss yours? Remember, flights are closer to full than ever, there may not be any seats the rest of the day.
  

So, should you book that early flight? Thinking on all the factors above, look at the time your ship is scheduled to arrive. Remember, the ship itself has to clear customs itself before disembarkation can begin. Think about all of the factors above and make your best guess when you could get off the ship and clear customs. Estimate travel time to the airport and time to check in and clear security. Then, add an hour at least to allow for any issues/delays. If your flight is after that, MAYBE you can make it.

Or, as I noted above, book the later flight. It’s vacation, do you really want to spend the last day stressing about air travel?

[sammiedawg]

LAst year we disembarked and made a flight at 10:55. We did self disembarkation and grabbed a cab, no problems even though there were the usual San Pedro delays getting staff in place. We heard crew members say delays were the norm at this port.

[Colo Cruiser]

LAst year we disembarked and made a flight at 10:55. We did self disembarkation and grabbed a cab, no problems even though there were the usual San Pedro delays getting staff in place. We heard crew members say delays were the norm at this port.

 

Thank you! :D

[trbarton]

Another suggestion...Book the 3:30 pm flight as a backup and if you arrive at the airport early see about going stand-by or changing your flight to 11 am.

 

Tom:)

[dfields1814]

I am another So CA resident that would not do it. You could possibly make it if you walk off at 7:00. But the ship can not be late, there can be no problems in passport control, and the big one, no traffic problems and if there are no problems checking in and with the security at the airport. Traffic can occur for any reason: time of day (7:00 to 10:00) rain, fog, police action a random accident ... anything like that could cause a significant delay. I would book a later flight and not worry about it for the entire cruise.

[sammiedawg]

We made an early flight despite delays clearing the ship. We were in the first wave off the ship at 8:30 but we were in a cab right away. It was a Friday! cabbie used the car pool lane and there were no traffic problems.

[MauiLvrs]

Would you make a 11:00 flight? Maybe...

Is it worth messing up the end of you vacation to save a few hours? probably not.

Take the advice of all the locals and don't risk missing your flight.

[momof3cruisers]

I am another So CA resident that would not do it. You could possibly make it if you walk off at 7:00. But the ship can not be late, there can be no problems in passport control, and the big one, no traffic problems and if there are no problems checking in and with the security at the airport. Traffic can occur for any reason: time of day (7:00 to 10:00) rain, fog, police action a random accident ... anything like that could cause a significant delay. I would book a later flight and not worry about it for the entire cruise.

 

Hmmm, I forgot about the whole passport check in CA. We've never had that in cruising out of FL but I do remember we had a long line in one of our CA cruises. I think I'll go with the idea of seeing about stand by if I make it earlier. I can always read or wander about.

[momof3cruisers]

Oh! And thanks for all the feedback. I won't need a cab as my sisters will drive me, but this way we won't have to stress about it.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Hey nothing wrong with letting folks know that it can be done and that if they do try they don't have to look at it like its the end of the world.

Any flight during the day could be an issue. Some may need to get home for any number of reasons and having a 4 hour window before a flight is plenty of time.

Like I always say have an alternative plan.

I guess if we stay on this flight everytime we fly from LAX yeah maybe sooner or later we will get "caught", but we have not in 15+ years so I am not about to change now. :D

 

Another suggestion...Book the 3:30 pm flight as a backup and if you arrive at the airport early see about going stand-by or changing your flight to 11 am.

 

Tom:)

 

I prefer to give realistic advice and not based it strictly on luck. As someone pointed out, there could be many people asking to be in the first group off the ship...and only so many will be allowed to do so. So why stress yourself out?

 

OP, if you hopefully listen to us local Angelenos and book the later flight, but manage to get to LAX early enough to be offered seats on the earlier flight, then even better. But make sure if you get on the earlier flight to make sure your luggage is moved to the earlier flight, too. Years ago, a friend and I were offered an earlier flight at the Honolulu airport so we said sure. But my suitcase ended up on the original flight. The airline had to deliver my bag to my apartment the next day.

[Cabunit]

I think the discussions above sum up the situation quite well - what's your risk tolerance? But I'd like to emphasize something that might be lost in the discussion - it is imperative to make the early flight that you have guaranteed transportation for you only. A cab is fine. Or hire a limo to be waiting. Do not, whatever you do, take a shuttle. Even if you sign up for a shuttle for you only you aren't guaranteed that it will be waiting for you.

 

Recently we had a shuttle paid for in advance for only us. We asked it to be ready at 8:30. The ship put us in a group for 9:10. We actually got off at 9:30 and the shuttle for us finally arrived at 10:50.

[Astro Flyer]

Oh! And thanks for all the feedback. I won't need a cab as my sisters will drive me, but this way we won't have to stress about it.

 

I think the discussions above sum up the situation quite well - what's your risk tolerance? But I'd like to emphasize something that might be lost in the discussion - it is imperative to make the early flight that you have guaranteed transportation for you only. A cab is fine. Or hire a limo to be waiting. Do not, whatever you do, take a shuttle. Even if you sign up for a shuttle for you only you aren't guaranteed that it will be waiting for you.

 

Recently we had a shuttle paid for in advance for only us. We asked it to be ready at 8:30. The ship put us in a group for 9:10. We actually got off at 9:30 and the shuttle for us finally arrived at 10:50.

OP is having her sister drive her to LAX but great info for others.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Astro Flyer