First, the nonstop doesn't land (Southwest airlines) until almost 2. Then you need to pick up your luggage and head over to the Rental Car desk. Here is the problem..
Rental car companies do not rent chains, so if you are going into snow and you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle, then you must stop at Walmart or somewhere and buy them. (this is in the winter of course)..
Rental car companies cannot guarantee your car until arrival so you have to guesstimate the tire size and bring snow chains with you... Will TSA let you bring them? Great question..
I first called Southwest, they said not on your carry on but you can check them. (the weight alone makes it an issue). Second she said to call TSA. So I did. They were very nice, there final answer was it should be fine but it is at the discretion of the officers at the airport.
So, we will be driving half way on Christmas Eve, then driving up the safer way thru Sacramento on Christmas day. Arriving 4 + hours before the planned arrival if we flew.
This has been very, very stressful. Southwest is a great airline, we have a lot of credit now to use on other trips. Second, since it is Christmas, Walmart will not be open, and spending Christmas looking for chains is not going to work for me.
So, if you are traveling on Christmas and renting a car. Please plan ahead...
I would like to thank my hubby for being willing to change the plans.. Not knowing until the last minute if we were going to be able to get to our destination is not a great holiday memory.
We will fly in the spring, and there is a shuttle that can take you to South Lake Tahoe, but will pass this time.
There is my holiday tip for today.
Happy Holidays.
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