MEL-SEA via LAX, SFO or YVR?

[runawaytrain]

I'm currently helping to organise a trip from MEL to SEA for 2 ppl next month. I have only been to LAX prior to the upgraded TBIT. So my questions are:

1. Dumb question but if you fly AC from MEL to SEA via YVR, at YVR, would you just wait at the boarding gate area for your flight? You don't need to go through any checks right? Sorry I have never been in that situation myself.

2. I have only flown from and to SEA on a domestic flight and only transited through SFO. How is immigration etc. for international flights at these places compared to LAX?

3. If there isn't much difference in price, which option would you choose - QF, VA, AC or UA flying through LAX, SFO or YVR? The travellers aren't too concerned with FF miles etc.

Thank you very much.

 

[dajop]

1. Dumb question but if you fly AC from MEL to SEA via YVR, at YVR, would you just wait at the boarding gate area for your flight? You don't need to go through any checks right?

Not sure of the specifics, but you have to pass through Canada border then go through US immigration (pre-clear at YVR), so that adds a step (ie Canada border control), but luggage would be through checked rather than collected, so that subtracts a step.

Personally, I'd go for a LAX transfer as it only involves two flights, going via YVR or SFO requires a transit of either SYD or AKL.

 

[runawaytrain]

Thank you very much dajop. It's looking like LAX is the better option.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not sure of the specifics, but you have to pass through Canada border then go through US immigration (pre-clear at YVR), so that adds a step (ie Canada border control), but luggage would be through checked rather than collected, so that subtracts a step.

Personally, I'd go for a LAX transfer as it only involves two flights, going via YVR or SFO requires a transit of either SYD or AKL.

Not doubting you dajop, but are you sure about having to clear Canadian immigration while transiting to the US? But yes, they would have to clear US immigration in YVR.

I've always preferred SFO over LAX by a long way, but with improvements to LAX this year there is probably no difference now.

If there isn't much difference in price (but there will be ), I'd go QF via LAX. How are they getting to SEA? If Alaskan, the check in terminal is the furthest from TBIT, so allow a good 20 minutes for that walk. I wouldn't consider UA TPAC, except maybe J in the 787, just to have a look.

 

[jgm]

1. Dumb question but if you fly AC from MEL to SEA via YVR, at YVR, would you just wait at the boarding gate area for your flight? You don't need to go through any checks right? Sorry I have never been in that situation myself.

AC only fly from SYD so you would need an extra domestic flight MEL-SYD & transfer domestic to international terminal.

 

[ckck]

I have gone through LAX no problems. If walking is a problem there is a bus that goes around the terminals at LAX. If you book QF and codeshare on Alaskan (i.e. QF flight number and flying on Alaskan metal) you should be able to check in for both flights and then you just have to make your way to terminal six, bag drop and continue onto the gate.

SEA is a great city, hope you enjoy it.

 

[straitman]

I have gone through LAX no problems. If walking is a problem there is a bus that goes around the terminals at LAX. If you book QF and codeshare on Alaskan (i.e. QF flight number and flying on Alaskan metal) you should be able to check in for both flights and then you just have to make your way to terminal six, bag drop and continue onto the gate.

SEA is a great city, hope you enjoy it.

Similarly if you book MEL-LAX with QF and LAX-SEA with AA (on Alaskan metal) QF will link the bookings and AA will guarantee the connection.

 

[runawaytrain]

Thank you all for your knowledge. I think they are going to go with QF. I never realised that UA has only one free checked bag until looking into the flights. Like RooFlyer I'd be interested in trying the 787 though...anyway $100 for a 2nd bag for economy pax with no status.

 

[Fantic125]

The one time I've transited through YVR into the US you arrive into a 'sterile' area, go through US immigration, into Customs where you identify your bag via video screen, then you're through a gate into the US side.

 

[c814875]

I know I am late to the party, but you can also go via Hawaii - air alaska is then low cost options straight to tacoma.

 

[runawaytrain]

Fantic25, thanks that's very useful. Out of curiosity, do you remember how long it took please? Thanks.

c814875, thanks a visit to Hawaii is always welcome!

 

[dajop]

The one time I've transited through YVR into the US you arrive into a 'sterile' area, go through US immigration, into Customs where you identify your bag via video screen, then you're through a gate into the US side.

That seems logical. When I looked on YVR website a couple of years ago it indicated you needed to clear Canadian immigration, which seemed rather odd. I ended up staying in YVR for a couple of days and going by bus (was meant to be train, but there were landslides) to SEA.