AA schedule changes

[swag]

So, it looks like AA has juggled their April & May schedules a bit, with many MSY flight times changing by 30-60 minutes. If you're flying AA, especially if you are connecting, it's worth double-checking.

In my case, my Friday morning flight was changed from 8:40a departure/10:00a arrival. New time is 7:45-9:05a. Which will give me time to get to the hotel, drop the bags, and be over at the Fairgrounds by or close to 11, when the gates open. But 7:45 seems awfully early. I hate to start the first day of fest marathon sleep-deprived already.

My alternative is a 10:00a flight, arriving 11:25a. Late enough for a relaxed morning and trip to the airport, but likely means not getting to Fest until 1:30.

What would you do?

[ozzie]

Thanks.

[almarco]

Now swag , you are a professional , and getting to the fest at 130 and miss the opening day bloodys?

[ozzie]

Oh sorry, you had a question! I'd get the later flight, Ken would get the earlier. Hope that helps!

[stlbarb]

So, it looks like AA has juggled their April & May schedules a bit, with many MSY flight times changing by 30-60 minutes. If you're flying AA, especially if you are connecting, it's worth double-checking.

In my case, my Friday morning flight was changed from 8:40a departure/10:00a arrival. New time is 7:45-9:05a. Which will give me time to get to the hotel, drop the bags, and be over at the Fairgrounds by or close to 11, when the gates open. But 7:45 seems awfully early. I hate to start the first day of fest marathon sleep-deprived already.

My alternative is a 10:00a flight, arriving 11:25a. Late enough for a relaxed morning and trip to the airport, but likely means not getting to Fest until 1:30.

What would you do?

i would take the earliest flight. if the 11:25 flight is delayed, you could miss a good part of the day. just get up really early on thursday so you'll be able to get to sleep earlier that night, get 8 hours and make your flight with time for starbucks at the airport.
of course you could just ride to fest with us from Metairie and then catch a ride to HIFQ with Denise. we'll throw in breakfast at the RI. cocktails in our suite.

[stlbarb]

Oh sorry, you had a question! I'd get the later flight, Ken would get the earlier. Hope that helps!

rofl

[tangledupinblue]

i would take the earliest flight. if the 11:25 flight is delayed, you could miss a good part of the day. just get up really early on thursday so you'll be able to get to sleep earlier that night, get 8 hours and make your flight with time for starbucks at the airport.
of course you could just ride to fest with us from Metairie and then catch a ride to HIFQ with Denise. we'll throw in breakfast at the RI. cocktails in our suite.

AGREE TOTALLY....get that earlier flight....you will be way too excited to get to Nola and waiting just takes its toll on me. You will be fine Swag....just get your butt down to NOLA...the earlier the better.

[chrisjoseph]

go early

[Corona]

So, it looks like AA has juggled their April & May schedules a bit, with many MSY flight times changing by 30-60 minutes. If you're flying AA, especially if you are connecting, it's worth double-checking.

In my case, my Friday morning flight was changed from 8:40a departure/10:00a arrival. New time is 7:45-9:05a. Which will give me time to get to the hotel, drop the bags, and be over at the Fairgrounds by or close to 11, when the gates open. But 7:45 seems awfully early. I hate to start the first day of fest marathon sleep-deprived already.

My alternative is a 10:00a flight, arriving 11:25a. Late enough for a relaxed morning and trip to the airport, but likely means not getting to Fest until 1:30.

What would you do?
Are YOU seriously asking that question Swag??!!!!!
Take the early flight bro! You can sleep when you're dead remember? Suck it up baby...suck it up. You'll be happy you did :)

[mwgirlonherown]

Definitely the early flight just based on the fact that the first couple of flights out tend to have better on time departures.

It's not like you are going to sleep the night before; you'll be too excited!
Take a power nap at the fest.

[Corona]

Sleep on the plane!!!! Even if it's for an hour.....but you'll be so excited, you won't sleep. I know you ;)

[ibjamn]

Swag, my friend, listen to Lis!

>>Late enough for a relaxed morning and trip to the airport<<

This doesn't sound like you! WHO ARE YOU??? And WHAT have you done with SWAG???? ;)

[festbabe]

Yeah, early. It seems unanimous...

[RitaZero]

So, it looks like AA has juggled their April & May schedules a bit, with many MSY flight times changing by 30-60 minutes. .
What would you do?
So glad you asked.....

I once flew from San Francisco to Key West on AA, with a 4 hour layover in Miami. When I got my luggage it was obvious it was ransacked - all zippers unzipped, and loose jewelry plus a leather clutch containing a bunch more jewelry missing. I immediately called the airport to see if my jewelry clutch ended up in the lost and found. I was scolded for putting valuables in my checked luggage!!!!

If you read the back of your ticket it says the airline is not responsible for cash, electronics, jewelry or any other valuables in your checked luggage. IMHO this is a free ticket for luggage handlers to raid your stuff! American Airlines wouldn't even listen to me when I wanted to report my stuff missing.

I haven't flown AA since. I think I might sometimes have to pick a more expensive flight but it's worth it to me. And now I have his forum to tell my story! I'm boycotting AA, please join me if you can......

[stlbarb]

why are you waiting until friday morning to arrive? :eek:

[Zydekitten]

When I read the title of this thread, I thought about a TOTALLY different AA . . .

:rolleyes: :eek: :D

[stlbarb]

When I read the title of this thread, I thought about a TOTALLY different AA . . .

:rolleyes: :eek: :D

All-nighters Anon

for those peeps trying to give up the late night shows

[Zydekitten]

All-nighters Anon

for those peeps trying to give up the late night shows
Noooooooooo, not THAT one . . .

;) :D

(And WHY would you want to do THAT?!?)

[stlbarb]

Noooooooooo, not THAT one . . .

;) :D

(And WHY would you want to do THAT?!?)

physical necessity?

[Blitzzzzz]

So, it looks like AA has juggled their April & May schedules a bit, with many MSY flight times changing by 30-60 minutes....
What would you do?

Early flight. I'm leaving Detroit at 6:30 Sunday morning to make it to the Zephyrs game. You can do it. If you're that sleep deprived, you'll nod out on the plane, or end up under a tree at the Fairground.
Listen to your friends, Swag, besides, your body will tell you if they're wrong!:cool:

[Corona]

Swag, my friend, listen to Lis!

>>Late enough for a relaxed morning and trip to the airport<<

This doesn't sound like you! WHO ARE YOU??? And WHAT have you done with SWAG???? ;)
too funny Ib!

So what do you think Swag? It's definitely unanimous but then again, you should have known better than to pose that question to us fest nuts! :)

[2ForTheFest]

Wow, Swag. Are you serious about a relaxing morning? You know you won't be able to relax knowing you are about to finally head to FEST!
It's a no brainer. The early flight for sure.

And why aren't you headed out on Thursday night anyway???

[swag]

Heh heh, thanks all.

You know, I've never come in Thursday night. I'm spoiled coming from Dallas, I guess, but there's always been an affordable nonstop leaving around 8:30 or 9:00 am on Friday that gets me to the Fest by noon or noon-thirty, which is about the time I often walk in the gates on other days too. And while another 16 hours of New Orleans fun would be good, of course, Friday morning always seemed good enough, especailly once I stretched my "standard" Fest trip out to 10 nights.

The early flight means getting up by 5 or 5:30; and it means an extra night of boarding for the pooch (another reason I usually don't come in Thursday).

But I suppose y'all are correct. The other option is just a bit too delayed.

[Blumie]

You know, I've never come in Thursday night.In this my 21st JazzFest year, I am for the first time arriving on Thursday evening. In addition to allowing for a more leisurely Friday morning, I find that as some of us get <ahem> more middle aged, having to get up at a ridiculously early hour on Friday can negatively impact one's stamina for the rest of the weekend. And now that I bring my daughter with me [she's 8 years old and this will be her 9th Fest], napping at the Fair Grounds no longer is the option it once was!

The AA rescheduling should be done by now. Anyone with a reservation on AA should check their reservation on aa.com and confirm the new times. If AA has made a significant change to your itinerary that you're not happy with, generally they will allow you to call them and, for no charge, change it to something more convenient (or even get a full refund), even if you otherwise have a non-refundable, non-changable ticket.

[mwgirlonherown]

Early flight. I'm leaving Detroit at 6:30 Sunday morning to make it to the Zephyrs game. You can do it. If you're that sleep deprived, you'll nod out on the plane, or end up under a tree at the Fairground.
Listen to your friends, Swag, besides, your body will tell you if they're wrong!:cool:


Now that's a baseball fan!

[luvdancin]

Yes, I found out about the schedule changes when AA sent me an email saying that my (free) flights were changed. I was using FF miles that were going to expire, but now I'm leaving Richmond an hour earlier and then have a 3 hour layover in Dallas before getting to NOLA. That's going to drive me crazy!!!

[Corona]

ugggh.....3 hours??!! That sucks :(

[swag]

Okay, then, DFW airport tips for a 3 hour layover.

The best restaurants are all in Terminal D, the new international terminal. You can get between terminals airside (no need to exit security) via the skylink train, 10 minutes or less between any 2 stops.

There's no smoking inside, but if you need to light up, or just need some fresh air, it's rarely more than 5 minutes to re-clear security, 10 during peak hours.

For a quiet place to veg between flights, look for the free "Samsung Travel Centers" tucked away behind the Starbucks at the skylink stations. Comfy chairs, desks with electrical outlets, and a big flat screen (usually on CNN).

[Orleansnj]

Okay, then, DFW airport tips for a 3 hour layover.

The best restaurants are all in Terminal D, the new international terminal. You can get between terminals airside (no need to exit security) via the skylink train, 10 minutes or less between any 2 stops.

There's no smoking inside, but if you need to light up, or just need some fresh air, it's rarely more than 5 minutes to re-clear security, 10 during peak hours.

For a quiet place to veg between flights, look for the free "Samsung Travel Centers" tucked away behind the Starbucks at the skylink stations. Comfy chairs, desks with electrical outlets, and a big flat screen (usually on CNN).

Super info Swag since I'll be in Dallas later this week on business....and flying out again next week....

BTW - come in early.......no way are you going to be sleepin'.

[Blumie]

Yes, I found out about the schedule changes when AA sent me an email saying that my (free) flights were changed. I was using FF miles that were going to expire, but now I'm leaving Richmond an hour earlier and then have a 3 hour layover in Dallas before getting to NOLA. That's going to drive me crazy!!!So to reiterate what I posted earlier, if there are other flights that are more convenient for you, AA should allow you to switch to them, even if the other flights generally do not have award seat availability. Call AA, tell them that you booked an award reservation awhile back and that the schedule has changed in a way that doesn't work for you. Let them know which flights do work, and generally they will be willing to make the change.

(Note, I don't know if this works with all airlines, but it generally works quite well with AA.)

[stlbarb]

So to reiterate what I posted earlier, if there are other flights that are more convenient for you, AA should allow you to switch to them, even if the other flights generally do not have award seat availability. Call AA, tell them that you booked an award reservation awhile back and that the schedule has changed in a way that doesn't work for you. Let them know which flights do work, and generally they will be willing to make the change.

(Note, I don't know if this works with all airlines, but it generally works quite well with AA.)

she's comming from Richmond, VA - there aint a lot of flight choices. :p
Luvdancin - what time you gettin in on thursday?

[Blumie]

Okay, then, DFW airport tips for a 3 hour layover.

The best restaurants are all in Terminal D, the new international terminal. You can get between terminals airside (no need to exit security) via the skylink train, 10 minutes or less between any 2 stops.

There's no smoking inside, but if you need to light up, or just need some fresh air, it's rarely more than 5 minutes to re-clear security, 10 during peak hours.

For a quiet place to veg between flights, look for the free "Samsung Travel Centers" tucked away behind the Starbucks at the skylink stations. Comfy chairs, desks with electrical outlets, and a big flat screen (usually on CNN).This is great info Swag, but RULE NO. 1 when flying to New Orleans is never to eat airline food or airport food on the way. Better to starve yourself and eat when you get to New Orleans.

Most of my trips to New Orleans originate on Friday afternoons, resulting in late Friday night arrivals. I skip lunch, don't eat at the airport or on the plane, and head right to the bar at Coop's for dinner upon arrival in New Orleans! In fact, if anyone's gonna be in town this weekend, look for me at the bar at Coop's on Saturday night before the Morning 40 show at the Hi Ho Lounge. (Friday night I'll be in Tampa catching the English Beat.)

[Blumie]

she's comming from Richmond, VA - there aint a lot of flight choices. :p
Luvdancin - what time you gettin in on thursday?Not a lot of choices, but that three hour layover certainly can be shortened (unless she's on the 7:30am flight and is not interested in switching to an afternoon flight)!

[luvdancin]

I am on a 7:30 am flight out of Richmond. I was going to check other flights today to see if there is any other more convenient choices. I know that Delta has been very accommodating about changing award flights when they change, but I didn't know about AA.

Barb, I am getting to NOLA at 2:30 on Thursday. I assume all the rest of you will be coming soon afterwards. I think that's about the time all of us hooked up last year.

SWAG, thanks for the Dallas airport tips. Even if I don't use them for Fest, I fly so much I'm sure that I'll be spending time in Dallas for some flight soon.

[KateMW]

I also saw on Expedia or Orbitz, that starting very soon (not sure the exact date) AA and US Air will start charging $25 for a second checked bag. If that bag is over 50lbs, they'll be charging $50. Are they trying to lose ALL their customers? My husband hates AA so much, we don't vacation anywhere that they are the only airline that flies there.

[ozzie]

We've only ever flown AA in your part of the world... mainly 'cos they have an affiliation with our national carrier. Never had a problem, but if we do it would be the kick up the bum we need to branch out a little.

Similarly I watch in awe as you guys get all those great hotel deals through travel web sites. I'd like to support Swag, but am not brave enough to do accommodation that way yet.

[swag]

I also saw on Expedia or Orbitz, that starting very soon (not sure the exact date) AA and US Air will start charging $25 for a second checked bag. If that bag is over 50lbs, they'll be charging $50. Are they trying to lose ALL their customers? My husband hates AA so much, we don't vacation anywhere that they are the only airline that flies there.

It's US Air and United that will charge for the 2nd bag. AA has not matched that fee, at least not yet. There's good reasons to dislike AA, but, in fairness, this isn't one of them.

It starts May 5, but tickets purchased before the announcement are exempt.

[Zbonnie]

United changed my flight time down to NOLA 1-1/2 hours earlier. It was scheduled to leave at noon, now at 10:30, so that's not too bad. But I still have the same connecting flight, just have to sit around longer and wait for it, don't get into town any earlier. :-( Whaddyagonnado?

[Zbonnie]

This is great info Swag, but RULE NO. 1 when flying to New Orleans is never to eat airline food or airport food on the way. Better to starve yourself and eat when you get to New Orleans.Yeah, but what if you have to get right to Rock n Bowl after a long day traveling and didn't have time to eat, and wind up passing out in the RnB parking and smacking your head on the pavement? That was my first night in NOLA last year!!! This year, I vow to drink lots and lots and lots of water all day traveling, and to be sure to eat something before going out out IAC that night.

[KateMW]

It's US Air and United that will charge for the 2nd bag. AA has not matched that fee, at least not yet. There's good reasons to dislike AA, but, in fairness, this isn't one of them.

It starts May 5, but tickets purchased before the announcement are exempt.
Oops...sorry!! Must have read that wrong.

I still think it sucks though! I'm not a girl who travels light! Oh well, we mostly fly Delta and the random SW flight.

[Blumie]

Yeah, but what if you have to get right to Rock n Bowl after a long day traveling and didn't have time to eat, and wind up passing out in the RnB parking and smacking your head on the pavement? That was my first night in NOLA last year!!! This year, I vow to drink lots and lots and lots of water all day traveling, and to be sure to eat something before going out out IAC that night.In my book it's always a great night that ends with passing out in the parking lot of the Rock 'n' Bowl (although perhaps it's easier on the head when you just fall asleep on the neutral ground opposite Tip's instead)!

[Corona]

Yeah, but what if you have to get right to Rock n Bowl after a long day traveling and didn't have time to eat, and wind up passing out in the RnB parking and smacking your head on the pavement? That was my first night in NOLA last year!!! This year, I vow to drink lots and lots and lots of water all day traveling, and to be sure to eat something before going out out IAC that night.
holy shit Bonnie!!!! Then you MUST eat something!! BTW, if that food truck is outside of Tips for IAC....their pulled pork nachos are to DIE for.....get something there in between bands....great food on that truck. Also love the processed mac and cheese on the Frenchmen St. truck lol! Cheese toppedTater tots from 13 are also cool when hanging on Frenchmen. A box of those while hanging on the street will make you everybody's friend lol!

[mwgirlonherown]

Oops...sorry!! Must have read that wrong.

I still think it sucks though! I'm not a girl who travels light! Oh well, we mostly fly Delta and the random SW flight.

Oooh! Question especially from the Holiday Inners; I am going to attempt to travel lighter this year. Any idea where the closest laundrymat/washteria
(I was dying to use that word!) is? I know there's one on Bourbon/Dauphine and there's always the one on Rampart across from Peristyle.

Roadtrip? We could always rent a van and go to Igor's Wednesday morning before Rosetreefest?

[Staxsun]

Oooh! Question especially from the Holiday Inners; I am going to attempt to travel lighter this year. Any idea where the closest laundrymat/washteria
(I was dying to use that word!) is? I know there's one on Bourbon/Dauphine and there's always the one on Rampart across from Peristyle.

Roadtrip? We could always rent a van and go to Igor's Wednesday morning before Rosetreefest?

I guess on-site guest laundry is not close enough? I've never used it, but I think it is available. This is supposedly not the send it out and pay variety, but the you put coins in the machine variety. Check to make sure.

[mwgirlonherown]

I guess on-site guest laundry is not close enough? I've never used it, but I think it is available. This is supposedly not the send it out and pay variety, but the you put coins in the machine variety. Check to make sure.

I have a friend who has stayed there in the past and reported to me that the only drawback to the HIFQ was the lack of laundry facilities. Cool, I'll have to check it out and then let him know. He does the entire fest and takes the City of New Orleans so that adds a couple of daze.

Thanks Staxsun and yes, I will check out Drago's for bbq'd oysters!

[Frosty]

holy shit Bonnie!!!! Then you MUST eat something!! BTW, if that food truck is outside of Tips for IAC....their pulled pork nachos are to DIE for.....get something there in between bands....great food on that truck.

The Que Crawl is the name of it. Love the grit fries!

[marignygreg]

Oooh! Question especially from the Holiday Inners; I am going to attempt to travel lighter this year. Any idea where the closest laundrymat/washteria
(I was dying to use that word!) is? I know there's one on Bourbon/Dauphine and there's always the one on Rampart across from Peristyle.

Roadtrip? We could always rent a van and go to Igor's Wednesday morning before Rosetreefest?

Info on the laundrymat on Rampart;)
http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2006-08-22/mus_feat.php

The 2nd building they mention is where Brad and Angelina now own and live part time.

[jonnygospeltent]

I'm in for a laundrymat trip with you on weds. am.Igors isn't too much of a hike.

[swag]

Yes, the HI FQ has "On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities (washer/dryer)", coin operated. Though I remember using it years ago for a cold-water wash, and the hot & cold hoses were connected backwards...

There's only about 2 or 3 machines, IIRC, and I call dibs on Wednesday morning.

There's a laundromat on Bourbon St, 800 block I think, and of course, there's always Checkpoint Charlies.

[mwgirlonherown]

I'm in for a laundrymat trip with you on weds. am.Igors isn't too much of a hike.

Jonny!
Yeah, a little trip uptown could be fun. I have a very late arrival flight with a connection so I have to travel light if I want to make it to Vaughns.

Has it stopped snowing yet? What a winter! It's not supposed to be cold and snow! I have friends in both Chicago and Milwaukee who are about to flip out.

[Blumie]

Gotta love how a thread about airline schedule changes evolves into a discussion of French Quarter-area laundromats!

[eat_mo_crawfish]

We used the laundromat in the 800 block of Bourbon in 06, it was a trip, the washing machines are about 200 years old and the nice ladies running the place weren't much younger. We dropped off mid-morning, picked up late afternoon, it wasn't cheap, I think about $25 for what would amount to maybe 3 or 4 large loads.

[mwgirlonherown]

Yes, the HI FQ has "On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities (washer/dryer)", coin operated. Though I remember using it years ago for a cold-water wash, and the hot & cold hoses were connected backwards...

There's only about 2 or 3 machines, IIRC, and I call dibs on Wednesday morning.

There's a laundromat on Bourbon St, 800 block I think, and of course, there's always Checkpoint Charlies.


After all you've done over the years...I'll fold and iron!

[marignygreg]

Its Jazzfest. Do your laundry in Cosimo's old studio by Peristyle.

[ohio]

I guess on-site guest laundry is not close enough? I've never used it, but I think it is available. This is supposedly not the send it out and pay variety, but the you put coins in the machine variety. Check to make sure.I've had excellent luck wit FQHI coin machines. They aren't on every floor though.

[stlbarb]

Yes, the HI FQ has "On-site Guest Self-Laundry Facilities (washer/dryer)", coin operated. Though I remember using it years ago for a cold-water wash, and the hot & cold hoses were connected backwards...

There's only about 2 or 3 machines, IIRC, and I call dibs on Wednesday morning.

There's a laundromat on Bourbon St, 800 block I think, and of course, there's always Checkpoint Charlies.

i'm gonna give everyone a brand new red sock to sneak into each others laundry. why? because i'm an anarchists, and i like pink clothes.

[Jada]

[QUOTE=swag;131827]I call dibs on Wednesday morning.

Wake me when you're on the spin cycle, will ya.

[stlbarb]

[QUOTE=swag;131827]I call dibs on Wednesday morning.

Wake me when you're on the spin cycle, will ya.

are we still talking laundry....or sittin' on the washing machine? :o

[Muffaletta Diver]

[QUOTE=Jada;132424]

are we still talking laundry....or sittin' on the washing machine? :o

Glad to see I'm not the only one who had that thought.

[ozzie]

Uh, oh... our email must have taken the slow boat to get here. AA have advised that our flight out of DFW has now changed and we have almost a 5 frikkin hour stopover... That's a delightful thought after what will have already been around 24 hours in the air and at airports. UGH! Think our tickets are non-refundable but there has to be another way to get there.... Houston? I'll spend some time looking at all the different ways to get to NOLA from LAX before I ring them (a joy in itself).

In the meantime, say we have to do the 5 hour thing... is it feasible to hire a driver or something so we can at least have a look around for a few hours?

[BillericayDicky]

Just had a schedule change from Delta. Our flight leaves Atlanta one hour earlier to Lafayette leaving us only two hours to clear immigration/customs, collect baggage and recheck then move to new terminal and find gate. Atlanta seems so slow getting you through immigration gonna have to get our running shoes on fo sho.

[Blumie]

Uh, oh... our email must have taken the slow boat to get here. AA have advised that our flight out of DFW has now changed and we have almost a 5 frikkin hour stopover... That's a delightful thought after what will have already been around 24 hours in the air and at airports. UGH! Think our tickets are non-refundable but there has to be another way to get there.... Houston? I'll spend some time looking at all the different ways to get to NOLA from LAX before I ring them (a joy in itself).

In the meantime, say we have to do the 5 hour thing... is it feasible to hire a driver or something so we can at least have a look around for a few hours?Doesn't matter that your tickets are non-refundable. AA will work with you. Call them and tell them that the schedule changes have resulted in a 5-hour layover, and that you want to try to change to something more convenient. If, through bad luck, you get a boneheaded agent, just politely hang up and call back.

[swag]

Doesn't matter that your tickets are non-refundable. AA will work with you. Call them and tell them that the schedule changes have resulted in a 5-hour layover, and that you want to try to change to something more convenient. If, through bad luck, you get a boneheaded agent, just politely hang up and call back.

I agree. But before you call, go onto AA.com and try to find for yourself what will work for you. Don't focus on the fare, if there's a seat available in your cabin, they ought to give it to you. From LAX-MSY, likely AA connections are DFW, Chicago (ORD) and St Louis (STL).

If you do get stuck in DFW for 5 hours, a driver might prove expensive. A rental car might be cheaper. But I'm not sure what to recommend to see. You probably only really have closer to 3 hours, by the time you allow for metting the car (and driver if you get one), and time to get back to the airport with a bit of leeway. My suggestion would be to just stay at the airport. There are some nice sit-down restaurants over in Terminal D (International terminal). Get a day pass to the AA Admirals Club, relax there and even take a shower. I think it's $50/1 person or $75/2. Those are sold on a daily basis, so you can buy it and use it in LAX, then use it again when you get to DFW.

[stlbarb]

I agree. But before you call, go onto AA.com and try to find for yourself what will work for you. Don't focus on the fare, if there's a seat available in your cabin, they ought to give it to you. From LAX-MSY, likely AA connections are DFW, Chicago (ORD) and St Louis (STL).

If you do get stuck in DFW for 5 hours, a driver might prove expensive. A rental car might be cheaper. But I'm not sure what to recommend to see. You probably only really have closer to 3 hours, by the time you allow for metting the car (and driver if you get one), and time to get back to the airport with a bit of leeway. My suggestion would be to just stay at the airport. There are some nice sit-down restaurants over in Terminal D (International terminal). Get a day pass to the AA Admirals Club, relax there and even take a shower. I think it's $50/1 person or $75/2. Those are sold on a daily basis, so you can buy it and use it in LAX, then use it again when you get to DFW.

use that $50 at the bar instead. maybe there's a hotel with a free shuttle that has a good sports bar (lots of tv). go drink there for a few hours.

[ozzie]

I agree. But before you call, go onto AA.com and try to find for yourself what will work for you. Don't focus on the fare, if there's a seat available in your cabin, they ought to give it to you. From LAX-MSY, likely AA connections are DFW, Chicago (ORD) and St Louis (STL).

If you do get stuck in DFW for 5 hours, a driver might prove expensive. A rental car might be cheaper. But I'm not sure what to recommend to see. You probably only really have closer to 3 hours, by the time you allow for metting the car (and driver if you get one), and time to get back to the airport with a bit of leeway. My suggestion would be to just stay at the airport. There are some nice sit-down restaurants over in Terminal D (International terminal). Get a day pass to the AA Admirals Club, relax there and even take a shower. I think it's $50/1 person or $75/2. Those are sold on a daily basis, so you can buy it and use it in LAX, then use it again when you get to DFW.

I did a search but it's only giving me the DFW option. Will call them 'cos we might be able to leave LAX earlier and therefore get an earlier flight out of DFW. Will just make it tight of we get held up in customs at LAX.

Too funny... I did a search on United thinking it might be worth bailing from AA for that sector. From Dallas to NOLA we had a choice of a stopover in Chicago, Denver or North Carolina!

Thanks for the tip on AA Admirals Club... we have Qantas Club membership which gives us entry.

[ozzie]

use that $50 at the bar instead. maybe there's a hotel with a free shuttle that has a good sports bar (lots of tv). go drink there for a few hours.

Plan B ...

[ozzie]

Just had a schedule change from Delta. Our flight leaves Atlanta one hour earlier to Lafayette leaving us only two hours to clear immigration/customs, collect baggage and recheck then move to new terminal and find gate. Atlanta seems so slow getting you through immigration gonna have to get our running shoes on fo sho.

Run fast Billy! That's our other option... to leave LAX in a two hour timeframe. Tried that last year and missed the flight, but we had trouble with one of our passports which held the game up. Tip for over the pond travellers... don't apply hand lotion just before disembarking 'cos the lil' finger scanner doesn't like greasy digits. Good luck!

[BillericayDicky]

Run fast Billy! That's our other option... to leave LAX in a two hour timeframe. Tried that last year and missed the flight, but we had trouble with one of our passports which held the game up. Tip for over the pond travellers... don't apply hand lotion just before disembarking 'cos the lil' finger scanner doesn't like greasy digits. Good luck!

Thanks for the tip Oz. We will surely have our running shoes on.

[swag]

Thanks for the tip on AA Admirals Club... we have Qantas Club membership which gives us entry.

There are 4 AAdmirals clubs at DFW. The one in terminal D is the newest and probably the nicest. You can travel between any 2 terminals via the Skylink train in 10 minutes or less, staying airside (no re-clearing security).

[Staxsun]

When I first saw this thread, I thought the time for the meeting had changed!?!

[ohio]

When I first saw this thread, I thought the time for the meeting had changed!?!
hehe! No, that would be FA!

[tcloud]

That is what I thought as well while wondering to whom that info might prove usefull .Although sometimes those thoughts creep in right after the fest,but a good strong Bloody Mary usully keeps them at bay.