Connection time in SFO or LAX for UA and flights with *A partners

[nanaof2]

Trying to book award flights from Sydney next year in J or F to Reno, NV. Some of the connections seem too short whilst others are too long. Would appreciate help/advise re minimum hours need for a non stressful plane change.
Question 2
how to find all *A flights on UA website available for award flights? Some come up, but only for AC via Vancouver or China Air throughChina. What about ANZ? Etc Thank you

 

[BAM1748]

If you flying UA go via SFO, much more pleasent experience and less stopover time required, or take the day as it's only about 8 stops and $8 on the BART to SFO downtown shopping.

If going via LAX I've still managed to miss connections with a 4 hour time frame but others here report less. Depends on when and which terminal you arrive into. UA through connections in LAX should be pretty good though. But I would still go via SFO.

Matt

 

[nanaof2]

If you flying UA go via SFO, much more pleasent experience and less stopover time required, or take the day as it's only about 8 stops and $8 on the BART to SFO downtown shopping.

If going via LAX I've still managed to miss connections with a 4 hour time frame but others here report less. Depends on when and which terminal you arrive into. UA through connections in LAX should be pretty good though. But I would still go via SFO.

Matt

Thank you, it just depends on what flights we can get on award points, seems to be more going via LAX, would much prefer SFO

 

[denisiel]

Transiting through LAX can take up to to 1.5 hours if you have to change terminals and go through security and this isn't including the customs and immigration time, which can add another 1.5 hours. SFO is much smoother and I always take SFO instead (although much more likely to get fog delays).

 

[BAM1748]

Reno isn't really that far from SFO, perhaps just hire a car and drive. That's probably what I'd do for a short second flight such as this.

Matt

 

[denisiel]

Reno isn't really that far from SFO, perhaps just hire a car and drive. That's probably what I'd do for a short second flight such as this.

Matt

Good suggestion and probably takes same amount of time once you account for the layover and flight.

 

[BAM1748]

There has been once recently where is would have been quicker for me to hire a car and drive LAX to SFO than wait out bad weather.

If you got into SFO on time early AM, you'd be having afternoon tea in Reno if you drive. Flying LAX with a delay could mean 10pm supper.

 

[trooper]

Availability on NZ is rare and difficult! (Especially in C)

I use the ANA site to look for availability (to spend US miles on) but my understanding is that the UA website is considered a pretty good engine too for finding award flights.... so we need a UA expert I think!

 

[nanaof2]

Availability on NZ is rare and difficult! (Especially in C)

I use the ANA site to look for availability (to spend US miles on) but my understanding is that the UA website is considered a pretty good engine too for finding award flights.... so we need a UA expert I think!

Can you book on the ANA website with United points? Wouldbe great.


At this stage, the United site for August 2014 is offering saver award flights with China Air via Beijing, or Thai via Bangkok 30-40+ hours to San Francisco. Would have to be a worst case scenario to consider. :shock: Thanks for all the advise, much appreciated:idea: