I've lived all over LA/Orange and Ventura county 40+ years and would NOT risk a flight prior to 12 noon unless you knew you couls stand by for a couple of later flights. Morning traffic winds down after 9AM - but there is a car-pool lane for much of the way so traffic (if existing) can be evaded somewhat by your cabbie or transport.
But the real variable is when you get to LAX. Heaven help you if you're flying Southwest as almost every time I travel I see the
longest check in lines on the sidewalk for those poor folks. Some airlines make you carry your bags from the check-in counter to a x-ray station (they don't have the baggage flow worked out yet - dumb). Plus inside you may encounter lengthy security lines THEN have considerable walks to get to your jet gate. Remember - you have about a one hour cut-off to check your bags in otherwise you can't board the flight!
NOw.... if you know what you're doing then you CAN swing tight connections and transit into LAX. I know where I like to park and in a pinch I don't even use their courtesy shuttles but hop a cab! Hey, if I'm at risk of missing a flight and a cab is ready but I have to wait 10-15 minutes for the next shuttle ... I drop $5 and take the cab - NOW!. Plus I know all the driving ins and outs .... generally you follow the cabs to see how they choose to get in buy not necessarily OUT.
If you CAN fly through Long Beach (jet blue and AA I think) then I've heard it is a DREAM COME TRUE compared to LAX. Frankly, I look for opportunities to fly out of regionals compared to LAX... as I will give up connections for convenience and a little escape from the rat race environment. I have used Oxnard, Burbank and even Santa Barbara. However, you are unlikely to consider anything except Long Beach or possibly John Wayne (Santa Ana). Anything else is not a convenient alternative from the port - except possibly Burbank.
For transportation - a super shuttle is a good idea - probably pretty cheap too. OR, renting a car can be dirt cheap too. My brother is visiting in March of this year - not using a weekend and has a Compact rental from Thrifty for $14 a day! Add taxes and such, gas and go - it's a flaming bargain! Of course, I imagine drop off and pickup at LOng Beach may pose certain limitiations and or complications.
Buses or light rail DO NOT present any conveniences that I know of.. For that matter there is NO light rail between port and LAX. I think cabs are the priciest/most convenient and least comfortable. In a city this size I imagine you could probably find a tolerably priced limo or towncar for a little less than Disney transfers if your party has at least 3 or 4. It's such a short ride between the 2 points.
AT any rate, I hope my dribble is of some help to you and any others who are curious.
