I would also suspect that since it was a Saturday afternoon, traffic would have been much less than a weekday. But I like Chateau's timeline. I would think offhand, that Mel/Mike and Zev/Justin might know how to get to LAX since they are residents of the LA Basin. Amand/Kris might know too, but I doubt the others would know the way and will have to stop to get a map or directions. From reading the directions on Chateau's map, even though it looks likes a pretty direct route, there seems to be a lot of freeway switching along the way. Unless they have a lot signage for LAX......it would seem pretty easy to miss an exit to a tourist to the area.
I have not been on the highways and streets of LA since about 1960. I have flown in and out of LAX quite a few times since then, but never left the terminal. If it had been me, getting the clue to head to LAX from Whitewater. I could have done it without getting a map or asking directions. I don't know how much longer it would have taken. I decided to take a look at GE just to see if I was crazy. I would just have followed I-10 to I-405 and turned left. I do know that that route would get me close enough to see LAX signs on the freeway. Now if there is a lot of signage in El Monte to LAX..I might have followed the I-605 to the I-105. I guess it depends on what the clue in Phil's pocket says. If it is a gaurentee of a seat on the first flight...I dont think I would have stopped for a map or info. If it was race to the counter.....well then it depends on how many had left before me I guess.