are we cutting it close to make our flight home?

[gerry48]

hi, we arrive back at long beach on carnival at 9am feb7th.

we will have to take a shuttle from the terminal to los angeles airport.

 

If we book a 1:15 pm flight home would this allow enough time?

 

we did not realize it is nearly 25 miles to the port.

[uppitycats]

hi, we arrive back at long beach on carnival at 9am feb7th.

we will have to take a shuttle from the terminal to los angeles airport.

 

If we book a 1:15 pm flight home would this allow enough time?

 

we did not realize it is nearly 25 miles to the port.

 

 

Probably. Cruise lines generally ask that you book home-bound flights after 12:00. Assuming the ship is on time, you could be off the ship as early as 9:30 or 10, giving you plenty of time to get to the airport, even at 25 miles.

 

Have a great cruise.

[paul929207]

Yes. Airlines request you checkn 2 hours before your flight. This allows time if there are delays at checkin and/or security.

 

The fact that Carnival syas you will arrive a 9am does not mean people will start getting off then. It could take a while for the ship to be cleared.

 

If you cannot change to a later flight. Sign up for self-debarkatin. This is the first group off. You will have to carry all of your own bags. Get a cab. This will be faster than waiting for a shuttle.

[gerry48]

also forgot to add we are from canada so considered international travellers which I assume meand even more time at airport.and now with this new enhanced security since xmas who knows.

[paul929207]

I would say you really need to change you flights to something later.

 

I don''t know how many ships are in port that day, but there is a good chance flights will be booked up for the afternoon. You may have difficulty getting a flight later that day if you miss the one you have. You would then have the cost of a hotel, meals, taxi, etc. in addition to the cost of the ne ticket.

[I Am Canadian, Eh]

from Carnival's FAQ:

 

What are the Flight Guidelines for the Latest Airport Arrivals and Earliest Return Flights:

 

Latest Flight Arrival:

Arrival into the Los Angeles Airport: 2:30pm

 

Earliest Flight Departures:

Earliest departures out of the Los Angeles Airport: 12:30pm

 

So I think you'd be okay. Getting back to the airport via cab/private shuttle would be a better option than cruise line transfer, so at least you know you'd leave as soon as you've got your bags & are out of the terminal. Make sure you get one of the early debarkation numbers, or do self-assist (carry your bags off yourself)

 

Don't believe LAX has a Canada Customs pre-clearance, so just because you're Canadian there shouldn't be that much extra time spent at the airport, aside from the longer lines at security that everyone will be dealing with.

[jackr]

I have never been on Carnival but I know that from experience that the ships are in port long before the published return times. If it says 9am don't be surprised if you are not in port and tied up at the pier before 7am. The biggest wait will be for the ship to clear customs after that which means that all the foreign nationals have to present themselves to immigration before the ship is cleared for debarkation. You will have plenty of time to make your flight home.

[gerry48]

thanks for all the tips.

 

we booked a later flight out of lax at 2:30 pm to be on safe side.

 

cost was not too much more and gives us peace of mind.

[AlanAllyn]

You might be slowed down by immigrations getting off the ship. This has been a problem lagtely in Fort Lauderdale.

 

On the whole, I suspect you have increased your chances of making the flight from 97% to 98%.