DL to LAX morning traffic question

[nickglover]

We have an early flight out of LAX on Wednesday 9/12 - I think around 7:50. We have to return a rent-a-car to Hertz. We would like to be at the gate by 7 am. What time would you suggest we leave the Grand Californian? Around 5:15 or 5:30? 5am?

 

[Michelle]

I'll assume you have at least two people in the car and can use carpool lanes, but even with that I would leave at 5:00 am if you have a rental car to return. The rental cars are all offsite and you'll have to take a Hertz shuttle to the airport. To be on the safe side I'd go for the 5:00 am departure.

 

[Uncle Mikey]

I would agree with the 5:00 am departure time. I believe in leaving yourself a little wiggle room just in case something goes wrong. Also presently there are a lot of very unhappy people with United at LAX. So if you are flying United be prepared for some frustration. We were herded into their supposed easy check in line for the Shuttle. It was anything but easy. We could not get the seating we needed. Especially with two ladies with walking impediments who did not need to be on the aisle waiting to be trampled by the mad rush. We had to check in at the gate and undo what they initially had us do at the easy check in. By that time we could only get one of them out of the mad rush with a window seat.

 

[jlima]

Michelle is correct; give yourself 2 hours.

IMHO, take Harbor to the 22; it merges into the 405. Then take the 605 North to the 105 West. Use the carpool lane on the 105, if there's at least 2 in your car. After you pass the 405, follow the signs into LAX (exit Sepulveda). In the best of traffic this will take 45 mins - 1 hr. Stay away from the 91!!! 91 traffic WILL suck, even at 5am. Hope this helps!

 

[nickglover]

Thanks, locals! Will leave at 5 am. Will have two in car. Flying Delta!