Easiest airport when leaving DL mid-afternoon?

[NotUrsula]

We will be in Southern California for an event in early November and are considering doing at least a day at DL before leaving for home. All of the commercial airports in the area are options for us, but due to the changes in the rental car market, I'm trying to set up this trip to arrive and leave from the same airport, because not doing so will cost a few hundred dollars extra (no actual drop-off fee, but the daily rate keeps coming up about $30 higher if my pickup and dropoff are not at the same airport.)

So, our idea is to book one of the last flights out heading east (and yes, I know that's risky if there is a cancellation. DD should be back at school the next day, but if we're stranded then she misses it; not optimal but not the end of the world.) For the most part that seems to mean a departure around 4-5 pm. So, my question is, which airport is going to be the easiest to get to early-to-mid afternoon on a weekday? LGB is physically closest, but I've done that drive west on surface roads before and remember it as very stop and go, so I'm wondering what my best option is for the least obnoxious route out.

Thanks!

 

[LilyJC]

So, my question is, which airport is going to be the easiest to get to early-to-mid afternoon on a weekday?

For sure SNA will be your best option at that time of day

 

[mom2rtk]

Definitely SNA.

 

[bfrosty]

We love SNA, will always fly in/out of there no matter the cost!!!! It's excellent.

 

[Iceman93]

Depending on where you're heading when you head east, LAX may be the only option with non-stop flights. That can make a big difference in terms of when you get home, likelihood of avoiding delays, best chance for no lost luggage, etc. For a departure at 4-5pm you'd be leaving the Anaheim area around 2-3pm, meaning traffic will be as light as it gets.

 

[China Expat]

Agree with SNA

 

[geargrinder]

SNA is closest, LGB isn't bad. These two are best if they have the flights you need.

LAX is further, but has the highest chance of direct flights to where you are going. I'm flying to/from LAX on my October trip to DL. There were a couple direct flights to LGB, but the times weren't good, and they were over $90 each way above the cost of going to LAX.

 

[NotUrsula]

SNA is closest, LGB isn't bad. These two are best if they have the flights you need.

LAX is further, but has the highest chance of direct flights to where you are going. I'm flying to/from LAX on my October trip to DL. There were a couple direct flights to LGB, but the times weren't good, and they were over $90 each way above the cost of going to LAX.

Unfortunately there are very few nonstop flights from anywhere in California to here except first thing in the morning, so LAX doesn't give us that advantage. Any afternoon flight we choose is going to mean a stopover somewhere.

 

[twodogs]

Are you leaving from DLR directly to the airport? If so, SNA.

 

[fly girl]

Unfortunately there are very few nonstop flights from anywhere in California to here except first thing in the morning, so LAX doesn't give us that advantage. Any afternoon flight we choose is going to mean a stopover somewhere.

Since direct is not even an option, then LAX would be the last on my list.

SNA hands down would be my #1. LGB takes second.