Long Beach vs LAX

[cruiseagain2]

Is the Long Beach airport much closer to the port than LAX?

[Rickey 88]

Is the Long Beach airport much closer to the port than LAX?

 

Yes, it is _BUT the thing no one seems to think about is "What airlines serve Long Beach?"

 

LAX is one of the largest airports in the country and handles flight service from most airlines. However, Long Beach (LGB) is served by only four airlines, Alaska, US Airways, Jet Blue and Delta. Even then, those airlines do not have direct service to just "any" airport, but only limited service to a few. In other words, you may have to take a connecting flight to your final destination.

[kenish]

It depends on which port....LGB is closer to the Carnival dock in Long Beach while distance from both airports is essentially the same to San Pedro.

 

But as others stated, distance is probably one of the last things to consider. There are far more flights into LAX and more backups if something goes amiss. But if you find good flights into LGB, go for it! The other alternative is SNA; it has many more airlines and flights than LGB. Both SNA and LGB are fast and easy to get through. Fares to the 3 airports can vary all over the place so you definitely have to check. FYI, most airlines allow you to fly into one airport in the LA metro area and depart from another and it will still be priced as a round-trip.

[Keith1010]

The advantage of LAX is many more flights.

 

The advantage of Long Beach is it is far less crowded.

 

From Long Beach Airport to Long Beach Port it is shorter than going from LAX.

 

As mentioned, getting to San Pedro is about the same with a slight benefit for Long Beach Airport.

 

Keith

[vwrestler171]

I love Long Beach and will not fly out of LAX unless the price is much cheaper as transportation to get to the Carnival cruise port is pretty high.

[SadieN]

Long Beach airport is much closer to both ports than LAX.

 

Flat rate taxi fare from Long Beach Port to LAX is $60. Only $30 to Long Beach Airport.

 

Taxi from LAX to L B port is approx $75.

[Ilovesailing]

We fly out of Long Beach to Las Vegas as flights are always at almost give away prices.

Plus you don't have the risks of delays that can often happen at LAX.

[TXGalAJ]

Long Beach is a super easy airport and JetBlue flies there (obviously depending where you depart from). If you can get on JetBlue your first bag flies free and their planes are very nice.

[kenish]

If you can get on JetBlue your first bag flies free and their planes are very nice.

 

A bit off-topic but speculation is that JetBlue will eliminate the free bag at the beginning of next year. They have announced "bundles" of services and amenities for additional cost over a baseline fare (sound familiar?). Although specifics haven't been published, some of the bundles include a checked bag...presumably that means no free bags.

 

It worthwhile to stay tuned if you're planning to fly them after the first of the year. Tickets purchased before a cutoff data should be "grandfathered". Again, this is in the "water cooler rumor" category for now.

[BuddyBee]

We live just 15 minutes from the Long Beach airport and we use it any time we can. I just mapped it and it is closest to both the Long Beach and San Pedro ports. It is true, that only 4 airlines fly from there, so that can make or break it, depending on where you are flying from, or to. LAX can be quite overwhelming, if you are not used to a really big airport. Long beach is smaller, easier, and yet has plenty of restaurants, a gift shop, what's not to like.....

[Keith1010]

The issue for most of us who do not live in Southern California is that while Long Beach Airport has a lot of pluses there are limited flights there.

 

Keith

[kenish]

One overlooked alternative is John Wayne Orange County (SNA). The number of flights vs. convenience vs. fares lie somewhere between LGB and LAX. The airport has quite a few more airlines with flights from their major hubs. Like LGB it's physically small and fast to get to or from your gate. Rental cars are 200 feet from the doors of the terminal.

 

Trip time between airplane and ship are about the same with LAX or SNA. The drive time to LAX is a few minutes shorter but the easy SNA security and terminal make up for it (unless it's rush hour). Fares at SNA vary all over the map compared to LAX; sometimes far cheaper, other times horrifically expensive.

 

JetBlue does not fly to SNA, but Southwest does and will add many SNA routes this fall. Other SNA airlines are AA, UA, DL, Alaska, Frontier, Westjet, Airtran, and Interjet (pulling out of SNA, probably Volaris will take their place)

[12grandkids]

We are a group of five booked on the Island Princess in November. When I booked the flights I mistakenly thought that we could book a transfer with Princess. Does anyone know the best (cheapest?) way for five to get from the Long Beach airport to the San Pedro cruiseport?

[SadieN]

Taxi is the easiest.

Taxifarefinder.com can give you an approximate fare.

Otherwise you'd have to prearrange with one of the shuttle companies.

[12grandkids]

Taxi is the easiest.

Taxifarefinder.com can give you an approximate fare.

Otherwise you'd have to prearrange with one of the shuttle companies.

 

Thank you!!!

[Langley Cruisers]

Does anyone know the best (cheapest?) way for five to get from the Long Beach airport to the San Pedro cruiseport?

 

Taxi is a flat rate - $45.00 plus tip (subject to change). Ask the dispatcher for a mini van. See info at link below:

 

http://www.lgb.org/travelers/transit.asp

 

.

[12grandkids]

Langley Cruisers;43897326]Taxi is a flat rate - $45.00 plus tip (subject to change). Ask the dispatcher for a mini van. See info at link below:

 

http://www.lgb.org/travelers/transit.asp

 

 

 

Thank you!!