How to get to LAX from Howard Johnson at 5 - 6am?

[LiliRob]

Hi!
We are about to book a trip (staying at Howard Johnson) and our return flight leaves LAX at 8:45am, so we'd need to be there at 6:45. We were planning on taking the big bus, but it doesn't start until 6:00am and I'm worried we wouldn't make it in time given it's rush hour/Thursday morning.

Any other options? We won't have carseats with us so that's a consideration for smaller cars/cabs.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Do you need Car/Booster seats? If so, there are shuttle service that will provide them, like Zippy Shuttle. But the HoJo Front Desk might have another company they recommend.

If you don't need Car Seats for children under 8, I would look at using Uber/Lyft.

What airline are you flying and where are you headed to?

Let's say Terminal 1 (Southwest) and a domestic flight.

Being dropped off at the Terminal by 6:45 AM works, but is pushing it, long waits for TSA checks due to the fact that many business folks commute to other cities using the plane, so you don't want to be late.

LAX is having a lot of construction, so you need to add some time for that.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-lax-problems-20161229-story.html

The actual drive is 45 minute in light traffic, but I would look at 90 minutes just in case there is an issue between HoJo's and the Terminal. So I would book a 5:15 AM pick up, or if using Uber/Lyft, use the booking app at around 5 AM.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Have you thought about taking your car seats with you? If your kids are still young enough to require a five point harness, your own car seat is safest (i.e., you know it hasn't been in an accident or otherwise mishandled). I know it's another piece of equipment to carry, but DH and I would just put them on the top of our rolling suitcases and strap them to the handle. If your child is old enough for just a booster seat, it's not as much of a concern to use rented/borrowed equipment, but there are also some relatively inexpensive travel booster options (e.g., Bubblebum, Mifold) if you don't want to carry your bulky booster but want more flexibility to use other travel options like Uber.

 

[hollyrose1313]

We used Karmel Shuttle last year to travel from the HoJo to LAX at 4:30 am. We did the shared van but didn't end up sharing it with anyone else. We did bring our own car seat for our child.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you can't get Disneyland Resort Express then you're out of options that don't require car seats.

 

[SMD]

You could book a car service that provides car seats. You'll get mixed opinions here on using a rental car seat, decide on your own comfort level. I'm not aware of a shuttle company that provides car seats. Call around, it may exist.

 

[dec2009mama]

if you hire private car service thru Lansky, they will provide car seats for you
you can hire them for one-way or round trip from/to LAX

 

[felice]

+1 (once again) for using Karmel Shuttle, they run pretty much at all hours and aren't much more in terms of cost, even compared to the big buses. Give them a call and see what they say if you wish.

 

[T0rrent]

Second the Uber/Lyft. Will run you about $45-55 to get to LAX. That's assuming you don't need a car seat.

 

[LiliRob]

Thanks everyone. Our girls are 6 and 8. My 6-year old is still in a 5-point, and my 8-year old is in a high back booster. It definitely makes me nervous to use rental car seats, but yes, boosters are less of an issue I suppose. I will think about bringing our own..... although perhaps that's not necessary at this age. I will look into the options everyone provided - thanks so much!

 

[LiliRob]

Do you need Car/Booster seats? If so, there are shuttle service that will provide them, like Zippy Shuttle. But the HoJo Front Desk might have another company they recommend.

If you don't need Car Seats for children under 8, I would look at using Uber/Lyft.

What airline are you flying and where are you headed to?

Let's say Terminal 1 (Southwest) and a domestic flight.

Being dropped off at the Terminal by 6:45 AM works, but is pushing it, long waits for TSA checks due to the fact that many business folks commute to other cities using the plane, so you don't want to be late.

LAX is having a lot of construction, so you need to add some time for that.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-lax-problems-20161229-story.html

The actual drive is 45 minute in light traffic, but I would look at 90 minutes just in case there is an issue between HoJo's and the Terminal. So I would book a 5:15 AM pick up, or if using Uber/Lyft, use the booking app at around 5 AM.

THANK YOU. THIS IS REALLY, REALLY HELPFUL! I appreciate you writing all of this.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Thanks everyone. Our girls are 6 and 8. My 6-year old is still in a 5-point, and my 8-year old is in a high back booster. It definitely makes me nervous to use rental car seats, but yes, boosters are less of an issue I suppose. I will think about bringing our own..... although perhaps that's not necessary at this age. I will look into the options everyone provided - thanks so much!

Just an fyi, in CA all children under the age of 8 must be in an appropriate safety seat. Your 6 yr old can use a booster, though.

 

[bumbershoot]

My 6-year old is still in a 5-point, and my 8-year old is in a high back booster. It definitely makes me nervous to use rental car seats, but yes, boosters are less of an issue I suppose. I will think about bringing our own..... although perhaps that's not necessary at this age.

Like Jamie just said, CA laws require the 6 year old to be in a restraint of some sort.

From the CHP:

Current California Law: Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height must be secured by a safety belt.

I highly recommend the Bubble Bum booster! Does the job of popping the kid up enough so the seatbelt does its job properly. Weighs 1 lb. My son carried it with him on the plane. We actually used it until he fit all rental cars we encountered (can't recall hold long that went...he's tall and the height was in his torso for a long time, though his legs have now caught up!).