Long layover in Los Angles

[file51]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Yes I can go into the AC, however I think there is only so many hours one can stay in an enclosed space like that:shock:

Trust me, the AC at T4 is by far an enclosed space.

As has been said previously, the view is good if you are into plane spotting, plus there are several little spots where you can sit back in a recliner chair and foot rest and watch the large plasma displays on the wall (usually with CNN or Fox5 on).

The showers are very good, and spacious.

They have a few computers that are free to use (so you can tell us all what a great time you having... ).

Otherwise you could sit at the bar and make small talk with the bar staff or other travellers.

In regards to the Mexican Grill & Chili's, they do make excellent breakfast burrito's :mrgreen:

 

[Voyages]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

There are several flights between LAX and SFO - the service desk should happily book you as standby on the 9:45 or Noon services.

(I was going to suggest a 120sc M/R to SFO and back for AUD360 )

serfty, I've got a lot of hours to kill @ LAX next Tuesday, and indeed have booked a return trip LAX-SFO for 120 SCs, hoping to push to WP by end of my anniversary year. I even think that they use the same aircraft for SFO-LAX .

 

[Voyages]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Trust me, the AC at T4 is by far an enclosed space.

The showers are very good, and spacious.

They don't have mosturiser in the AC at T4. :mrgreen:

 

[drewbles]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Trust me, the AC at T4 is by far an enclosed space.

As has been said previously, the view is good if you are into plane spotting, plus there are several little spots where you can sit back in a recliner chair and foot rest and watch the large plasma displays on the wall (usually with CNN or Fox5 on).

The showers are very good, and spacious.

They have a few computers that are free to use (so you can tell us all what a great time you having... ).

Otherwise you could sit at the bar and make small talk with the bar staff or other travellers.

In regards to the Mexican Grill & Chili's, they do make excellent breakfast burrito's :mrgreen:

+1 on all accounts. The AC in T4 is most likely bigger in terms of floor space than the SYD or MEL QP. It's big, airy and not a bad place to kill 4 hours. The lounge hidden away behind the bar area (that connects onto the flagship lounge with access card) is nice. Dark, cool and super comfortable chairs with ottomans - it's like 2 x mini theatres, as mentioned, with sport or news on. They're usually a bit under-utilised too when i've been there, so it's been a good place to relax.

The full height glass windows over the apron flood it with more natural light than downstairs too.

I'd have to say it's far nicer there than downstairs

 

[bnroz]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

serfty, I've got a lot of hours to kill @ LAX next Tuesday, and indeed have booked a return trip LAX-SFO for 120 SCs, hoping to push to WP by end of my anniversary year. I even think that they use the same aircraft for SFO-LAX .

sorry bit of a novice here, so you get 120 Status credit Qantas points for flying from LAX to SFO return??? with AA?

how long is the flight?

 

[straitman]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

sorry bit of a novice here, so you get 120 Status credit Qantas points for flying from LAX to SFO return??? with AA?

how long is the flight?

Gate to gate is 1hr 35 min.

You need to look at a First/Premium fare with restrictions and this will give you 60 QF SC in each direction for around $360. If you need a few SC this is great at approx $3 per SC.

 

[serfty]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

sorry bit of a novice here, so you get 120 Status credit Qantas points for flying from LAX to SFO return??? with AA?

how long is the flight?

It's first class travel in "Zone 1" of between 1 and 600 miles on AA.

"Zone 1" first class travel on AA a Qantas FF earns 60 SCs.

 

[Maca44]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Back to tipping for a second as I've only just read this thread.

1. Carry 20 or so $1 notes with you at any given time (or change larger bills into them) as they really do come in handy with tipping.
2. Check the bill at restaurants to see if a % gratuity has been added.
3. When in the US (and this is info a yank buddy told me) is to check the bill thoroughly, and then add the 'tax' on the bill as the tip as this usually works out to be roughly the same and saves the problem of working it out.
4. When checking into a hotel carry your own bags to the room (which are mostly wheeled in any event) as this saves tipping. I appreciate that they receive minimal wages, but again can't understand why we should tip when it is their job to do it.

If you look around in Vegas (or ask ) there used to be some hotels that offer an all you can eat buffet for a very reasonable price, but then again I have not been back there for 15 years so things might have changed.

 

[notzac]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Oh, i've already resigned myself to expecting awful coffee everywhere - to my mind Starbucks is 100 times better than some coffee options where it is a pot that is contantly kept warm...

If you're spending time in San Francisco, proper decent espresso exists at a place called Blue Bottle coffee. The holier than thou attitude I copped from one staff member was a bit much, but the coffee *was* very good.

 

[greenfrog86]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

If you're spending time in San Francisco, proper decent espresso exists at a place called Blue Bottle coffee. The holier than thou attitude I copped from one staff member was a bit much, but the coffee *was* very good.

That's good to hear - I'll need a decent coffee after ~24hours of aircraft and airports :shock:

I agree - I don't want attitude with my coffee, nor do I want the person asking me my life story.
I think I've perfected the 'I'm just out of bed and want my coffee, shut your mouth and stop talking to me before I've finished my coffee...'

Thanks also to the other poster for the tips - I'm planning to take a money clip just for $1 notes so I don't get caught out with the whole tipping drama...

Appreciate all the tips and info people have given - I'm planning to do a bit of a trip report as I go (most likely in clubs to make the most of my QP membership!).

 

[file51]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

If you look around in Vegas (or ask ) there used to be some hotels that offer an all you can eat buffet for a very reasonable price, but then again I have not been back there for 15 years so things might have changed.

Every hotel/casino on the Strip has a buffet on offer.

My favourites are at The Bellagio, Wynn & Mandalay Bay. The 1st 2 are by far the best on offer, IMO, however they are also the most expensive.

 

[dragonman]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Every hotel/casino on the Strip has a buffet on offer.

My favourites are at The Bellagio, Wynn & Mandalay Bay. The 1st 2 are by far the best on offer, IMO, however they are also the most expensive.

Almost all do. The Venetian and Palazzo are two that don't. The thing to remember is that in the grand scheme of things buffets do provide a cheapish way to eat. Remember its a multi-course meal with many possible courses and as said above - the Bellagio is very good indeed. Scottish smoked salmon, alaskan crab and great salad and dessert bars do not begin to describe the choices.

Its often a good idea IMHO to have breakfast - skip lunch and get to the buffets earlyish (5pm) - you will avoid queues.

Enjoy!

 

[straitman]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Back to tipping for a second as I've only just read this thread.

When in the US (and this is info a yank buddy told me) is to check the bill thoroughly, and then add the 'tax' on the bill as the tip as this usually works out to be roughly the same and saves the problem of working it out.

I don't know of anywhere where the tax rate and the tip rate are even approximately the same.

 

[drewbles]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

I don't know of anywhere where the tax rate and the tip rate are even approximately the same.

Agreed. Possibly double the tax as a rule, as most areas are around 8-9% for tax, minus a bit.

10% is easy enough to calculate in your head. halve it, add it, and you have 15%. Not too tricky

Re buffets in vegas, they're not as cheap as they seem. Most are $30-40 now, and there's such a huge abundance of good places to eat in hotels on the strip for far less. I avoid buffets for fear of food poisoning (have had it in vegas before, just not from the buffets - avoid cold meats though IMHO ).

And re the coffee comment, I saw a great sign in a YYZ café down town that said "Can't talk in the mornings? Just Point". Best sign at a coffee place i'd ever seen. Shame the coffee wasn't that good. It was at least a latté.

 

[Warks]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Re: tipping - do you base the 15% on the entire bill (including tax) or exclusive of tax. It's probably only a couple of bucks difference but I do it without tax if the service is normal (still better usually than anything you'll get in Australia!) but if it's really great then will push it up.

Also do you add it onto the credit card bill or leave cash on the table? I do the latter as I get the feeling that the staff don't always get their share of the tips that are 'consolidated' revenue.

Tipping is a whole topic on its own. One side of me says we should not support the US maintaining slave wages and depending on us poor suckers to pay their staff. The other says "well you not paying tips is not going to change anything except maybe being treated like a scumbag".

 

[Maca44]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

I don't know of anywhere where the tax rate and the tip rate are even approximately the same.

Just rang my buddy in Seattle, and it is 'double' the tax on your restaurant bill. Often wrong, and wrong again.

 

[notzac]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Re: tipping - do you base the 15% on the entire bill (including tax) or exclusive of tax. It's probably only a couple of bucks difference but I do it without tax if the service is normal (still better usually than anything you'll get in Australia!) but if it's really great then will push it up.

Also do you add it onto the credit card bill or leave cash on the table? I do the latter as I get the feeling that the staff don't always get their share of the tips that are 'consolidated' revenue.

You tip on the base rate, exclusive of tax. Rule of thumb is between 15%-25% depending on the quality of the restaurant and the level of service received. If you're buying expensive wine, tip no more than 10%-15% on the wine component of the bill.

Tipping in cash vs. on card depends on who is (ultimately) paying - if I'm expensing the meal, the tip goes on the card (as a tip) to make it easier to track. If I'm paying it myself, I'd much rather tip in cash - waitstaff prefer cash tips because they get the $$ straight away. Putting the tip on the card doesn't mean that the waitstaff won't receive it, it just takes a little longer for it to arrive.

See also:

About Tips
Confessions of an Angry Waiter - TIME

 

[file51]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

Almost all do. The Venetian and Palazzo are two that don't.

Actually... whilst I didn't specify it in my previous reply, The Venetian/Palazzo (I refer to them as the same place, as both properties do in a lot of sections on their respective websites, i.e. dining options are both listed as the same) has perhaps the best buffet of all casinos in Las Vegas.

It only occurs on Sunday's (Brunch/Lunch) and offers only the best foods that you can find, including Lobster, fresh oysters, smoked salmon (IMO better tasting than any other buffet offering) & the Bloody Marys, Champagne (yes, real Champagne) etc are included. Located in Zeffirino which looks over the Grand Canal.

They also have a buffet on most holidays or special occasions, such as lunch and dinner later this month for Thanksgiving.

Whilst a little sad in its context, when it comes to buffets in Vegas I would call myself a high roller...

A little off topic, if you want a laugh, have a listen to this... absolute classic (John Pinette on Vegas Buffets)

John Pinette on buffets. | Funniest Video of the Day

 

[kiwitripper64]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

In Vegas you might look at scenic day flight over the Grand Canyon Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas by Airplane - Las Vegas Air Tours - Scenic Airlines

In San Francisco if you are planning on visiting Alcatraz it may pay to book online a few days early. Check the 3-5 day forecast. We booked and got on, but had friends who turned up on day and found all Island access sold. Alcatraz Island - Official Tickets Site - Guaranteed Lowest Price

Same for the Statue of Liberty. Statue of Liberty Tickets - Crown Access - Ferry Tours - Visiting Ellis Island – StatueOfLibertyTickets.com
It appears that all the tours to the crown are now booked out till early Jan, :shock: but you could try and see if there is a wait list. Alternatively book a ticket to the base/pedistal. If you go, dont take a daypack as they are very strict on what you can take into the staue. Makes airport security appear soft.

Have a great trip

 

[greenfrog86]

Re: Killing time during LAX layover...(USA travel virgin)

In Vegas you might look at scenic day flight over the Grand Canyon Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas by Airplane - Las Vegas Air Tours - Scenic Airlines

In San Francisco if you are planning on visiting Alcatraz it may pay to book online a few days early. Check the 3-5 day forecast. We booked and got on, but had friends who turned up on day and found all Island access sold. Alcatraz Island - Official Tickets Site - Guaranteed Lowest Price

Same for the Statue of Liberty. Statue of Liberty Tickets - Crown Access - Ferry Tours - Visiting Ellis Island – StatueOfLibertyTickets.com
It appears that all the tours to the crown are now booked out till early Jan, :shock: but you could try and see if there is a wait list. Alternatively book a ticket to the base/pedistal. If you go, dont take a daypack as they are very strict on what you can take into the staue. Makes airport security appear soft.

Have a great trip

Thanks for the tips everyone.

I've heard about the Alcatraz tickets so booked that last week for this Friday...

I'm not huge on really touristy things so only do them if they have personal interest (ie alcatraz because my uni major was Criminology)
Therefore I think I'll skip the fuss with Liberty in NYC and just do the ferry that goes around it instead...

Watch out for some QF/AA newbie travel thoughts from Thursday!