[throwaway2037]

    It was taking hours to get close to the airport so they got out of their car and walked the last mile or two to the airport with their luggage.

This is ridiculous. Why didn't they drop their friend at the nearest Metro Line C (Green Line)? There is an airport shuttle from Aviation/LAX station.

[jazzyjackson]

I've been in a similar situation in chicago. when traffic is at a standstill and there's no way to uturn. you're just stuck.