Tipycal departure time from the Playa? Arranging ride there?

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:27 pm

I don't know weather I should book a flight before I get a ride share arranged. I don't wanna wait till prices go up or sell out. When do people typically head home? Evening of Sept 1st? To be safe should I book morning of the 2nd? To think of it, what time should I fly in, when do most people go through Reno? I was also wondering, if I manage to get myself there, is it a good bet that I'll find a ride back to Reno without anything pre-arranged? Has anyone ever been stuck on the Playa?

JezebelinHell · Post by **JezebelinHell** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:32 pm

It's always a good idea to plan, but I have known people in your situation and none of them have ever actually gotten stuck on the playa. If you check out the rideshare board I'm sure you'll find something that works for you. I'd advise you to schedule your flight for either Monday night or Tuesday morning. A lot of people miss their flights due to the madness that is Sunday/Monday exodus.

skeetsh00ter · Post by **skeetsh00ter** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:41 pm

worst case scenario is that you have to stand by the exodus line with a cardboard sign that says "Ride to Reno?" I'd say at least 3/5ths of the people will be passing through Reno on their way home. You'll def. get a ride.

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:54 pm

I'd say book the flight now. Late Monday or early Tuesday (if you don't mind spending the night in Reno) is probably your best bet as far as getting a ride is concerned.

You'll be able to get a ride. Absolute worst case you can just walk past the line of cars at exodus asking them all if they can give you a ride to the Reno airport in exchange for some gas money. Most people will be stopping in or passing through Reno on their way out, so you chances are good. Or you get out late and have to switch to a later flight, which I've always been able to do when I've missed flights.

flipper · Post by **flipper** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:52 pm

Agreed. Last year I filled two rideshare slots in my car using the Playa info intranet, but you can also just ask around. Everyone has a little more space since their most of their food and water left the playa via the blue saunas.

RNO to BRC
it's more spread out and some get approval for early arrival to set up theme camps, otherwise the top pick is to fly Saturday or Sunday Morning, and get in line Sunday for when the gates open at Midnight (or sometimes a couple hours early)

Fly in Sunday or Monday, and arrive during the day on Monday

BRC to RNO
If you have a Monday daytime flight, get a ride from someone skipping the temple burn and stay in Reno overnight. (Many of the casinos have airport shuttles and cheaper rates Sun-Thu)

If you have a Monday night flight, same as above or pack everything but your tent and a day's clothes before the temple burn and be ready to leave at sunrise.

Best bet: Book a tuesday flight, leave monday, and stay at a hotel overnight. This is by far the choice of the plurality of those flying.

But book your flight as soon as you know the dates. Southwest posted its fares and everyone else has had time to match. And the fuel prices will only go up.

Oh, and with folks just driving to Bay Area, I think it's more like 80% going to or through Reno.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:30 am

I have been booking flights in august and getting better fares.
This year is very uncertain.
I would book early.

But keep your eyes open for end of season price drops and change if you can.
Unknown if prices will go down any this year.

Be sure to read the fine print on the luggage rules.
Huge price jumps being hidden there and other places.

Free2B · Post by **Free2B** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:13 pm

Thanks, I didn't even realize gates opened midnight 24-25th. I'll probably take a shuttle I found to BRC and book the way back 6am Sept 2nd to be sure I don't miss it. So do most people go home Sunday? I didn't know about that either.

I have a little question, where is the nearest Walmart to the Reno airport? I looked it up but google map is lying to me. It told me my 20 minute drive to work is a 2 minute trip. I'm trying so see how much time I need tot ake a cab there, pick up suff I would have pre-ordered to the store, and go back to the ariport for my ride.

JezebelinHell · Post by **JezebelinHell** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:22 am

Reno is WalMart town! We have them every two feet. That being said, the WalMart on Kietzke is closest to the airport. Been a while since I made that drive but I'd say about 5 to 7 minutes once you actually get out of the airport. The cool burners all shop at Winco though...