Travel time to SNA; Oct 16 5:40 pm flight

[spokanemom]

Our flight home is Tuesday, Oct 16 at 5:40 pm. I have always scheduled SuperShuttle or rented a car in our previous trips. SuperShuttle always told me when to be there and when I drove the rental cars, I have apparently blocked out leaving at all... it must have been too painful.

Anyway, I think that this time because cost is nearly the same, I am going to hire a car to drive us to/from SNA from our Harbor Blvd hotel. I get to pick the time that I want to leave. I really don't want to hang out in the airport, I'd rather be on a ride or eating a Dole Whip. I just don't think it is fun to hang out in airports, call me crazy. I don't want to run through the airport and stress though either.

Allowing for traffic and airport security (and not needing to return a rental car) what time shall I tell the company to have my car ready & waiting for us? What say the Dissers?

TIA!

 

[Ancient Purple]

The car should pick you up absolutely no later than 3:30 PM.

It is about 20 minutes from DL to SNA on an average day, but you will be hitting the roads right when traffic starts to pick up, so I would add 10 minutes for that.

Once at SNA, you will be in line with business types flying back home, so that may add to security.

I fly out of SNA on a regular basis (2-3 times per month) and while I have made my flights arriving just an hour beforehand, I find 90-100 minutes a much better fit. So, ultimately, your goal should be to get to the airport no later than 4:10 PM.

I hope that helps.

 

[HydroGuy]

3:30 sounds right to me too. If I was solo - and did that once from DLR - I might push it to 3:45. Otherwise stick with 3:30. It is a weekend then 3:45 would be fine.

As far as hiring a car, the hotels along Harbor often have places they work with and actually gives rates less than a taxi (for those of you out there who think taxi) and are far nicer. Like $40 to SNA with tip rather than $50. And these cars are generally quite reliable or the hotels would not use them.

 

[mrswh]

I agree two hours is the right amount of time to get you there without risking missing your flight, but not hanging out in the airport for hours.

Have a fun trip!

 

[Ancient Purple]

I agree two hours is the right amount of time to get you there without risking missing your flight, but not hanging out in the airport for hours.

Oh, I agree.

However, SNA just recently opened the new Terminal C (for Southwest, but it is accessible to all) which has some comfortable spaces as well as new restaurants and a bar. All are quite nice and relaxing.

 

[spokanemom]

Thank you all. I was ready to pull the trigger at 3:30, but just wanted to make sure I wasn't over/under doing it.

I will check with the hotel to see if they have any "partners" before booking on my own.

After doing an ABD trip, I'm all about letting someone else do the driving!