Is there time to do anything on a 3 hour layover at LAX

[rockfan4]

Edit: Found out I could book a 3 leg trip for the same 25,000 miles. So, we're going to fly the same route, but add a day to the trip. Now we're flying out of SFO to LAX on Monday Oct 12 at 10:00 am, arrive at 11:30. Leave Tuesday at 12:55pm, so we'll have about 25 hours to do whatever. Looking for ideas. Skip to post 20.

I'm looking at flights for RR V, and I'm trying to use my frequent flyer miles with Delta. No problem, non stop flight out to SFO, but the direct return flight would cost me 32,500 miles, and I only have enough miles for two 25,000 mile flights, so Delta wants me to fly to LAX first, with the choice of a 1, 2 or 3 hour layover. So, if I took that option, could we leave the airport and do anything in 3 hours, or am I better off just taking the 1 hour layover flight, or buying more miles for the direct flight, or is there another option I haven't considered? My girlfriend has only been to San Francisco / Monterey once (RR IV), and she's never been to Los Angeles, and I don't think I've been there in about 10 years. Just trying to make the most of the trip. Thanks.

[Hugh R]

No

[Nostril Cheese]

No.

[Noah930]

ditto

Unless you've got a long-lost Angeleno buddy to hang out with for 3 hours, it's not worth it.

[Shuie]

Skyclub

[5String43]

Absolutely not.

[BeyGon]

the Wild Goose but it is closing Christmas Eve and I am not sure your girlfriend would like it.

[slodave]

Yes.....

Strip Club Near Lax in Los Angeles, California with Reviews & Ratings - YP.com

[nostatic]

You could grab a cab and go sit on the 405 for an hour, then go back to the airport.

Only thing within (long) walking distance is In and Out Burger.

1 hour layover ftw.

[BE911SC]

In-N-Out is a 20-minute walk past the north side approach runways. Sit and eat and watch A380s and 747s come in 200 feet over your head.

[LakeCleElum]

U can often burn a hour just getting between gates......3 hours is no big deal......I usually head directly to my departing gate and then find a bar/restaurant close by......Read a book or whatever....

[Nostril Cheese]

Keep in mind that LAX is a very old airport. It isnt designed to handle security checkpoints and passenger screening. You cant even go between terminals without going through security again.

[rwest]

I try to get about a 2 hour layover for more breathing room and to grab a bite- 1 hour doesn't leave much room for error, if your flight gets delayed a little, you'll miss the connecting one.

[motion]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Keep in mind that LAX is a very old airport. It isnt designed to handle security checkpoints and passenger screening. You cant even go between terminals without going through security again.

You can go between 4-5-6 via tunnels.

[motion]

Originally Posted by Shuie

Skyclub

Alaska Boardroom in T6 is much better if you have SkyTeam privileges.

[Cajundaddy]

Yep, I would shoot for a 2hr layover so you don't risk missing your connection and get abandoned in LAX for 2 weeks.

[Deschodt]

If you get out you will have to say hello to TSA again, do you feel lucky ?

[motion]

Originally Posted by rockfan4

I'm looking at flights for RR V, and I'm trying to use my frequent flyer miles with Delta. No problem, non stop flight out to SFO, but the direct return flight would cost me 32,500 miles, and I only have enough miles for two 25,000 mile flights, so Delta wants me to fly to LAX first, with the choice of a 1, 2 or 3 hour layover. So, if I took that option, could we leave the airport and do anything in 3 hours, or am I better off just taking the 1 hour layover flight, or buying more miles for the direct flight, or is there another option I haven't considered? My girlfriend has only been to San Francisco / Monterey once (RR IV), and she's never been to Los Angeles, and I don't think I've been there in about 10 years. Just trying to make the most of the trip. Thanks.

Another option to consider would be to signup for a Delta Gold AMEX card, and do the minimum spend quickly to earn your bonus miles. I'm not sure what the current promo is, but they usually give at least 40,000 miles. You could also transfer miles from your Starwood Preferred Guest account to Delta, if you have one. You could also buy miles from one of the brokers out there.

[rockfan4]

Thanks for the info everyone. Looks like I'll pick the two hour layover.

[rockfan4]

Update - found out I can book a 3 leg trip for the same amount of miles. There was no direct flight available back from SFO to MSP, had to do a layover in either LAX or SLC, picked Los Angeles. So we're flying in to Los Angeles Monday October 12, arrive around 11:30, fly out Tuesday around 12:55. She's never been to Los Angeles, what would be the best use of our time while we are there? Especially Tuesday morning, I'd hate to just check out of the hotel and go sit in the airport.