Early departure question

[russpd]

Hi all, this is my first Burning Man and I'm beyond excited. Been a lifelong dream!

The only loose end that I haven't sorted out is my ride OUT of Burning Man. Due to my work schedule, I can't stay the whole time so I booked a flight from Reno on Saturday (8/30). I tried to buy Burner Express tickets but the website was glitchy (or I'm incompetent ) and I somehow missed the chance to buy.

My big question: Has anyone bought a walk up ticket for Burning Man return. My guess is that the bus returning from Burning Man on Friday (8/29) is *not* sold out but the tickets are just no longer on sale. I would love to get a second opinion from a seasoned veteran though.

If it's not wise to depend upon a walk on, do you have any other advice? I've contacted a bunch of folks generous enough to offer rideshares but gotten no bites yet.

Any help / advice would be hugely appreciated.

[Canoe]

Before Burner Express existed, the way to do it was to post a "Ride wanted" notice on a bulletin board at Playa Info at Center Camp.
Check back there daily.
Mention you're looking for an early ride to your neighbours.

your results may vary

Once on the playa, and desperate, go to the perimeter road towards gate but inside greeters and stick your thumb out. There are people leaving through the week, be it for a supply run into Fernley or Reno, or they're leaving for the week.
Do not hitchhike other than within BRC.

Do a search here on eplaya on threads on when to leave to get back in time for a flight. You'll be missing the time chewing Exodus lines, but you want to make sure you are back in time, and you and your luggage are clean enough to be let on the flight, etc..