Best airport to arive in USA

[hungryandy]

HI Guys;

I need to be in Las Vegas middle of April for a convention. (Coming from Bangkok)

 

I would like to avoid unnecessary customs hassle or cues. I understand Las Vegas is an international airport - but cant seem to find any airlines that have LAS as first point of entry.

 

1] Any suggestions on airlines that fly into Las Vegas.

2] Failing arriving into Las Vegas what would your next choice be, Say LAX, SFO, Dalas Fort Worth (Could come via UK) or any other suggested entry point.

 

Thanks in advance.

[B5Jimmy]

I flew into Dallas before and didn't have any problems at customs. I had trouble in Minneapolis though, had a girl screener that didn't like guys coming from Thailand I think. I think its just luck on who you get a customs.

[MrDreamT]

Vegas from what I recall was a non-smoking airport. I would hate for that to be my first stop into the USA if I was coming off a 12-14hr. flight. But depending on what airline your flying with, it will be either Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, or Los Angeles. Korean Air for example will for sure be either Chicago, or Atlanta if I recall correctly.

Edited March 30, 2009 by Mr.Dream Transport

[Goolabert]

I suspect that Las Vegas is an International Airport mainly so that the high rollers can come in on chartered flights or private jets from anywhere.

 

Yuor point of entry won't make any real difference. SFO and LAX are the closest major entry points for overseas flights and close enough to drive from if so inclined. Not a short drive but doable.

 

Clearing customs and immigration you may or may not have any headaches. As long as you are all legal and don't look like a dirtbag the worst should be answering a bunch of stupid questions.

 

laptops are subject to scrutiny at their option and you are forced to give them any passwords needed to access it.

[LongPlay]

for ease of transit through immigration and customs i suggest SFO.

 

They all do their job, but SFO folks seem to be the most civilized and normal of all the inbound airports I have used.

[pyrolover]

Never had any Customs problems flying into HNL (Honolulu). You can catch a direct flight to Vegas out of HNL on the cheap. Check with Hawaiian Airline. If I'm not mistaken, they have two or three flights departing for Vegas.

[Badger77]

San Francisco, LA, or Seattle.

 

I dont recommend going to middle US because you'll need to backtrack. Maybe Denver would be OK.

 

Prices and the scheduled times is what usually matters for me.

[Jim Bob]

as far as a can remember las Vegas has no port of entry i think they just use the international thing as a connection to other airports just like here in phoenix (phoenix international) but there is no international flights leaving phx.

[deadwood]

there is no such thing as one port of entry being easier than another. these guys are professionals and have an uncanny knack of detecting small behavioural tics. if you have nothing to hide you'll have no problem though you never know when, out of the blue, they may decide to take a closer look. btw, i'm quite sure las vegas is NOT a port of entry and cues go with the territory wherever you enter.

Edited March 31, 2009 by deadwood

[jingjo]

HI Guys;

I need to be in Las Vegas middle of April for a convention. (Coming from Bangkok)

 

I would like to avoid unnecessary customs hassle or cues. I understand Las Vegas is an international airport - but cant seem to find any airlines that have LAS as first point of entry.

 

1] Any suggestions on airlines that fly into Las Vegas.

2] Failing arriving into Las Vegas what would your next choice be, Say LAX, SFO, Dalas Fort Worth (Could come via UK) or any other suggested entry point.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

You can fly philippine Airlines BKK to Manila and then Manila to LAS via a short refueling in Vancouver. You will arrive LAS terminal 2

and will be through Customs in 5 minutes. I have done it several times, as I live in Las Vegas and hate having to go through LAX. You

might have to stay a night in Manila, depending on what flight you take BKK to Manila. That said, one night in Manila is not so bad.

 

Good Luck.

[arbiez]

SoCo should answer this as he lives in Vegas but he is in transit and planning the epic bender, so I'll chime in. (What I'd do is at the end)

 

McCarran Int'l Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) is typically considered a regional airport with some int'l. flights in/out of Canada, Mexico and Europe (UK). It is NOT considered a big Int'l airport as most trans-pacific carriers use Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) as their hubs. From the website, Asian airlines include Korean and Philippine Airlines. I do not know if Korean actually flies in or if there is a transfer in LAX and then transfer to Delta. UPDATE: Korean Air does a Vegas to Inchon direct so check with them as they probably don't do this run daily and it's probably more expensive.

 

That said, typical connections might be . . .

BKK -- LAX -- LAS (probably the most direct flight) Thai Air

BKK -- Inchon -- LAS on Korean Air

BKK -- SING -- LAX -- LAS on Singapore

BKK -- Narita/HK/Inchon/Taipei -- LAX/SFO -- LAS

 

These are probably the most direct flights and your airlines of choice are probably:

Thai, United, Korean, ANA, JAL, NWA(Delta), American, EVA, Singapore (If taking United or Singapore, you'll change to a United flight at LAX or SFO)

 

There are other transfer points outside of LAX (Los Angeles) or SFO (San Francisco) depending on airline. However these choices will either require longer layover in either Seattle or Vancouver, BC, Canada or may require flying beyond Vegas and flying back (Denver, Dallas, Houston).

 

Lesser known

BKK -- MNL(via Guam or Honolulu) -- SFO/LAX -- LAS

BKK -- YVR (Vancouver, BC, Canada) -- LAS **You go through US Customs in Vancouver.

 

As far as customs is concerned, LAX and SFO are typically pretty straightforward, but stringent on customs from Asia flights if you look like you might be carrying a lot of pictures or get 'profiled'. IMO, SFO is a bit tougher. Customs is available in LAS.

 

Other options: While little used as it will take longer, you may consider a flight through Honolulu (HNL). Korean, ANA, China, JAL, and Philippine all go from Asia to HNL. You go through customs in Hawaii and fly domestic from HNL to LAS and you might be able to pick up better discount fares or low cost carriers. (Cost from Asia to HNL might be higher.)

 

If you have a frequent flyer plan, check the carriers and go from there.

Star Alliance (Sing, Thai Air, United, ANA, Air China, Air Canada)

One World (America, JAL, Cathay, Quantas)

Sky Team (Delta-NWA, Korean, Continental)

 

Sources:

http://www.honoluluairport.com/airlines.html

http://www.mccarran.com/airlines.asp

 

If it were me (and I have done a LOT of travel both US Domestic and Trans-Pacific), I'd say if price is no object (on the company dime) and you want the most direct flights:

 

Money not an issue

Take Thai Air (business class) from BKK to LAX non-stop 747. At LAX, you can continue on United from LAX to LAS. (Or go discount carrier Southwest from LAX to Vegas.)

Korean Air BKK to Inchon and non-stop 777 to LAS.

 

Best Bang for the Buck

Take EVA Evergreen Class from BKK to SFO (via Tapei). Take Virgin America 1st class from SFO to LAS.

 

Or if going on a budget or using miles

Take United from BKK to LAX/SFO and transfer accordingly to LAS.

Edited March 31, 2009 by arbiez

[hungryandy]

Hi Guys;

ALL the input is much appreciated - Thanks !!

 

Looks like it might be SFO as point of entry if I fly Eva, and I will try the pricing on Philippines.

 

I would relay like to avoid the long cues as I have bone spurs on teh heals which have recently graduated to EXTREMELY painful and standing for a while is a problem.

 

So again - thanks for the input.

[arbiez]

there is no such thing as one port of entry being easier than another. these guys are professionals and have an uncanny knack of detecting small behavioural tics. if you have nothing to hide you'll have no problem though you never know when, out of the blue, they may decide to take a closer look. btw, i'm quite sure las vegas is NOT a port of entry and cues go with the territory wherever you enter.

Not quite accurate Deadwood. Vegas does have customs as many visitors come in from South America, EU and Asia. So US Customs is available directly at McCarran. Ryan Air, BMI, Mexicana all go to McCarran. (Air Canada flights probably go through US Customs in Toronto or Vancouver as they have US Customs Agents on site in Canada-post 911. FWIW, I have no idea if Mexicana goes through Customs in Mexico City, Cabo or Cancun.)

On your other point, customs has been addressed as being more stringent in SF. Why? More angry lesbian customs agents.

[deadwood]

Not quite accurate Deadwood. Vegas does have customs as many visitors come in from South America, EU and Asia. So US Customs is available directly at McCarran. Ryan Air, BMI, Mexicana all go to McCarran. (Air Canada flights probably go through US Customs in Toronto or Vancouver as they have US Customs Agents on site in Canada-post 911. FWIW, I have no idea if Mexicana goes through Customs in Mexico City, Cabo or Cancun.)

On your other point, customs has been addressed as being more stringent in SF. Why? More angry lesbian customs agents.

i stand corrected about vegas being a point of entry. thanks arbiez! i've come through sfo numerous times and have never been delayed whereas i've been strip searched in san antonio, and questioned about past experiences in belize both at the canadian border and lax. silly boys! still, you never know when they might take an interest in looking at you as you never know when you'll run into an angry lesbian. what does make them so angry? they get more pussy than we do!

[deadwood]

Hi Guys;

ALL the input is much appreciated - Thanks !!

 

Looks like it might be SFO as point of entry if I fly Eva, and I will try the pricing on Philippines.

 

I would relay like to avoid the long cues as I have bone spurs on teh heals which have recently graduated to EXTREMELY painful and standing for a while is a problem.

 

So again - thanks for the input.

andy, fyi, this past trip i had bone spurs shaved off my acromion along with an acromioplasty at pattaya int'l hosp. on soi 4. what a tremendous relief to have that pain gone!!

[hungryandy]

andy, fyi, this past trip i had bone spurs shaved off my acromion along with an acromioplasty at pattaya int'l hosp. on soi 4. what a tremendous relief to have that pain gone!!

 

Thanks for the input on that Deadwood. I have been putting it off for a LONG time as I get the specialist telling me its easier to get really painful injections (great choice - and easier for who"?) and the GP telling me don't bother they grow back quickly.

 

How long did it take for you to become mobile again?

 

Regards

Andy

[deadwood]

Thanks for the input on that Deadwood. I have been putting it off for a LONG time as I get the specialist telling me its easier to get really painful injections (great choice - and easier for who"?) and the GP telling me don't bother they grow back quickly.

 

How long did it take for you to become mobile again?

 

Regards

Andy

andy, my problem dealt with my shoulder and though bone spurs were only a part of the problem, the pain i attributed to the bone spurs is totally gone. i had my surgery on dec. 14th. you may want to look up "heel bone spurs" or "plantar fasciitis" at webmd.com and mayoclinic.com. these two sites are usually extremely helpful. overuse of corticosteroid injections is not a healthy thing. i was abusing them with my shoulder along with pain medication before i finally opted for surgery. physical therapy is also an option. good luck buddy!

Edited March 31, 2009 by deadwood

[hungryandy]

andy, my problem dealt with my shoulder and though bone spurs were only a part of the problem, the pain i attributed to the bone spurs is totally gone. i had my surgery on dec. 14th. you may want to look up "heel bone spurs" or "plantar fasciitis" at webmd.com and mayoclinic.com. these two sites are usually extremely helpful. overuse of corticosteroid injections is not a healthy thing. i was abusing them with my shoulder along with pain medication before i finally opted for surgery. physical therapy is also an option. good luck buddy!

 

Hi Deadwood, Thanks indeed for the input on the sites. I will go exploring.

Tried a few searches and found a lot of semi relevant stuff only. These two look to be the way to go.

 

Let me know when your in Pattay next an if I am not on the reaod we can catch up and exchange surgery stories

 

regards

Andy

[deadwood]

Hi Deadwood, Thanks indeed for the input on the sites. I will go exploring.

Tried a few searches and found a lot of semi relevant stuff only. These two look to be the way to go.

 

Let me know when your in Pattay next an if I am not on the reaod we can catch up and exchange surgery stories

 

regards

Andy

best of luck andy. my shoulder pain had begun to affect my quality of life. i hope you get some relief. deadwood

[hungryandy]

SoCo should answer this as he lives in Vegas but he is in transit and planning the epic bender, so I'll chime in. (What I'd do is at the end)

 

 

Money not an issue

Take Thai Air (business class) from BKK to LAX non-stop 747. At LAX, you can continue on United from LAX to LAS. (Or go discount carrier Southwest from LAX to Vegas.)

 

Looked at Thai Business class seeing the client is paying . . and the price was OK. However decided not to due to the really horrible arrangement of 1 armrest and 1 center console in the new seats. Your sitting lob sided and very uncomfortable. Also got screwed over on a flight to Oz about a year ago when they put an old 747 on the rout that had very old business class seats and on a short haul leg spacing - not nearly as good as say Singapore economy seat.

Korean Air BKK to Inchon and non-stop 777 to LAS.

Best Bang for the Buck

Take EVA Evergreen Class from BKK to SFO (via Tapei). Take Virgin America 1st class from SFO to LAS.

 

Decided on EVA and Virgin America into SFO. Seat comfort is important.

 

My main reason to avoid LAX is the inordinate cues there when I last went through immigration in LAX. Trying to save the feet for the convention in Vegas.

 

the Philippine Air would have been high on teh list except for a 1 day stop over. There is no Air side or even airport hotel as far as I can see - so dealing with MNL traffic and re immigration just rules that out.

 

 

Again Guys a really big THANKS for all the help.

Edited April 2, 2009 by hungryandy

[arbiez]

...edited for length...

 

Korean Air BKK to Inchon and non-stop 777 to LAS.

Best Bang for the Buck

Take EVA Evergreen Class from BKK to SFO (via Tapei). Take Virgin America 1st class from SFO to LAS.

Decided on EVA and Virgin America into SFO. Seat comfort is important.

 

My main reason to avoid LAX is the inordinate cues there when I last went through immigration in LAX. Trying to save the feet for the convention in Vegas.

 

Again Guys a really big THANKS for all the help.

 

If walking is an issue, you may also need to consider that SF Customs can be a bit of a walk as well. Your benefit is that Virgin America is in the Int'l terminal. I don't think it's quite as long as LAX and certainly shorter than walking through Suvarnabhumi. If still too long, then going from Incheon to Vegas non-stop on Korean is probably best if cost is not option.

Edited April 3, 2009 by arbiez

[SmellyFarang]

for ease of transit through immigration and customs i suggest SFO.

 

They all do their job, but SFO folks seem to be the most civilized and normal of all the inbound airports I have used.

 

I had the exact opposite experience with SFO Summer 2007. The fact that I was a "single male" returning from Thailand got me routed to a special line where I was subjected the to most extreme, invasive search of my life. Not only where they browsing through all my pics & videos on my computer, but I was also grilled with questions like "where did you stay?" "did you meet any girls?" "where did you go/what did you do?" etc etc etc. I was stunned, and even more stunned when I later researched Customs and found that I got off easy as they were also seizing computers, doing full disk image copies of people's hard drives, etc.

 

Contrast that experience with my recent return from Thailand via South Korea (Korean Airlines) direct to Vegas:

"How did you like Thailand?", customs agent.

"It was great", me.

"Good to hear; I'm moving there next year when I retire. Welcome back", customs agent.

 

They didn't check my computer or bags, and I didn't see anyone else having their computers checked either. I've also had hassles with LAX & JFK, so Vegas gets my vote in future.

-Smelly

[hungryandy]

Hi Smelly and Arbiez - Thanks for the Input

Guess I should be careful whats on the computer. Not really worried about that stuff - havnt been up to anything I shouldn't and as a 15 year married resident of Thailand I have a fairly legit excuse to be here.

 

Revisited the Korean Air issue, and it would be a alternative if it had flights on teh days I needed - even alternate days have the long haul sections as economy only and as my customer pays - thats not an option.

Also the 12 and 13 hour lay overs in Incheon don't appeal - but in the overall scheme of things with 1 less transit - it works out about the same.

 

I will try and see if teh travel agents can book it on a wait list and see if it comes through before I have to actually pay for tickets

 

Andy

[brad117]

Sounds like a long cluster fuck flight. You can get fucked with by customs, anywhere. I'd go the least, most direct. Example, Bkk-lax-vegas.

[scorpio]

Hi Andy, If you haven't booked yet I would recommend any airline you are comfortable with to LAX. I live in L.A. and have never had a problem and I fly several international flights a year. Then book southwest airlines from LAX to LAS for $49, they have 14 flights a day from 6 AM to 8;40 PM. It's a 50 minute flight or you could make the long boring drive through the desert in 5 hours. Hope this helps