Is it my imagination, or are rental car rates 2X or 3X higher than a couple years ago? Both LAX and SNA.

Probably too late now, but book on UA and fly via DEN, ORD, or SFO. Then ask to do a co-terminal standby into SNA instead of LAX. No charge and most agents will be willing to do it.

I land at 5:40PM on Monday and need to get to West Hollywood as quick as possible. I'm thinking of either renting a car or taking a car service. How bad will the traffic be at that time (I'm assuming horrendous)?

Any route suggestions to beat the highway traffic?

Thanks

When factoring in the time it will take you to wait for shuttle bus, pick up the car, and then park, car service is always best.

Beating traffic at 6pm is tough, no matter which route. Taking the 405 to the 10 can be 30-45 minutes. That would be the easiest way but all are hit or miss. If the 405 is really backed up, jump off on Jefferson, Culver, or Washington/Venice and connect with this route. A good car service driver should know, especially if not being paid by the mile. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...41851&t=h&z=12

Thanks for the advice and the link. Now if I can only convince the driver to stop at In-N-Out on the way.

not interested in the shuttles or flyaway. any good limo services
you can recommend that aren't rip offs?

I've no personal knowledge, but there is an established FTer with the handle of MRLIMO who I believe operates in Southern California.

Best bet from Irvine to LAX? Supershuttle and Prime Time seem to be about $45 (with who knows how many stops). Also, a ride to a Disney-area hotel would be possible, to catch a direct bus service.

Suggestions?
Thanks

Eastbay- If you leave from DL or the larger hotels, the express bus and the popular shuttle services charge $15. Since there's a lot of volume and competition the fares stay low; going to LAX from a point just a few miles away can be $40-$60. One thing is they may spend time picking up passengers at other area hotels as you state, but once you're under way I'd expect a straight shot to LAX.

Whether you leave from Irvine or DL, try Karmel Shuttle. I've been happy with them over the years and never seen a complaint on any of several travel forums I lurk. Prime Time is reasonably good but I've read a fair number of complaints about Super Shuttle.

Another option is Metrolink or Amtrak from Irvine to LA Union Station, then the Flyaway bus to LAX. Or, rent a car...Enterprise is pretty reasonable and has convenient locations in the Irvine area. Check their policy and fees to drop off at LAX....one quirk about Enterprise is some locations don't allow ow dropoffs.

Hi,
my family (wife and a child) will arrive at LA on 28 december ( monday) with BA at 15.20.
what do you suggest to go to the Beverly Wilshire?
taxi, shuttle,transfer managed by the hotel?

thanks

Taxi will be fastest. Up the 405, east on Santa Monica Blvd, veer right onto Wilshire and you're there. Fare perhaps $40-$50. Shuttle takes forever (also, not sure you want to arrive @ such a nice property in a bright blue shared-ride van) and transfers laid on by hotel will be unnecessarily expensive.

I agree with the above, right down to the route.

Anybody have any idea how much the shuttle is from WeHo to either one of these airports? i'm doing the jetblue deal and ned to know the better value.

I'd suspect it would be about $25 to BUR; more to LGB as BUR is closer to West Hollywood.

Agree with the taxi as the most cost-effective to transport three passengers from LAX to the Bev. Wilshire.

When returning to the airport, if going during commute hours, here is an alternative surface-street routing to give to the cab driver (this will avoid the freeway):

From the BW, south on Beverly to Pico, west on Pico to Overland, south on Overland to Venice (or National), west on Venice to Sepulveda, south on Sepulveda to the airport.