Originally Posted by
mezzowithcorigis
I have done that before, when returning to a different airport (SNA or BUR). In this case, it doesn't solve my original problem of not wanting to be in the parking lot of a rental place/parking facility/etc at 4 in the morning, since they are in rather sketchy areas.
The drive itself isn't the problem....I make a trip over the Grapevine at least once a week, sometimes up to 3.
I really miss the BFL-LAX EMB-120.
I think you might be overthinking it a little. The major rental car lots are always staffed and brightly lit, especially Budget, Avis, and Hertz, all on Airport Way. I'd say they are some of the safest places in the area.
Park n Ride-wise, check out the hotels in El Segundo, since those will be cheaper than the ones on Century. I personally like the Hyatt Place, since it's a pretty new property.