Btw who did you ask at LAX? If you go inside and talk to a regular agent, the chances are you'll be told "no" or "surcharge"...if you talk to the Elite booth agent or one of the roving managers, you will have a much better chance. As long as one is parked there, I've never had a problem asking for a Prius or Kia Hybrid and been granted unless it was on hold for a reservation.

Did you identify yourself as an Exec Elite?