ePlaya

Hello! This is my first Burning Man experience and I unfortunately have to leave early to go to a wedding. My flight from Reno leaves at noon on Friday, August 29th so I am looking for a ride there in the morning. I'm willing to pay for the ride or help with gas money. Please let me know if you can help!

Why don't you just rent a car and save yourself from having to worry about somebody else's schedule? What if the person who you arrange your ride with somehow flakes (gets injured, sick, etc.)? You're screwed. Radical self-reliance, remember? If I were you I'd take matters into my own hands and not leave anything to chance. You're leaving everything to chance and that's a dangerous combination.

I completely agree with Doc - since you need to be to the airport at a very specific time, take matters into your own hands. You're going to need to give yourself 6-8 hours minimum to get there (no line for Exodus, but you have no idea if there will be any accidents on 447; get your car cleaned - don't you dare return a rental without cleaning it because it messes up rentals for everyone else; and get to the airport by noon), which would have you leaving the playa between 3-5 am, since you need to give yourself time to check in at the airport.

You can't even do the Burner Express, since that doesn't have it's first BRC - Reno run until noon on the 29th.

There is yet another option which is getting a flight from BRC airport to Reno.

I know there are some charter services, and it occurs to me that Friday might be the time some rich weekenders are just starting to show up. Looking at the websites, a one way ticket runs about $300 or so. If they are already taking someone to the playa, maybe you can catch a lift back.

+1 to what Doc said. You're either making someone leave the city who isn't ready to leave, or you're gambling that the person you're riding with doesn't have a change of heart, meet a special someone, sleep in late, or disappear completely.

A rental will likely cost less (and be easier to sort out) than space on a returning charter flight, and you'll be in control of your travel. For bonus points, grab one of those really cheap plastic painters tarps at the big box hardware joint (they're like $2) and cover the back seat, then when you leave do your campmates a solid by volunteering to take some of the trash out with you. Vehicle passes will be available for sale in the OMG sale, if you're not able to get that sorted beforehand.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Not having to rely on someone else is a good idea and I will look into rental cars.