Maybe take that Truckee car to Oakland airport and hop on jetBlue to LGB and, later, LGB to LAX.

So let me get this straight. I rent a car for $60 just to drive to Oakland (about 4 or more hours plus allow two or more hours to turn the car in and then be at the gate the required hour and a half before boarding. Then when I get to my destination after buying Jet Blue tickets (how cheap are they?) I rent a second car. Somehow, I don't get the idea of all this. Obviously it isn't for saving money. And total, I might save an hour or two at the most.

My husband and I go from LA to Carson City about 4 times a year, and have flown numerous times. In the past year or so, the airfares to Reno have not been cheap, even though they may be on sale. So we have been driving (long drive).

Since it is only a one way flight, I'd stick with the original plan. Reno Airport is a small, easy access airport, and then to on to LAX. A hour flight.

My suggestion if you fly Southwest, is to look for a N/S flight, or at least, one where you don't have to change planes in Oakland, San Jose, or Las Vegas. That eats up your time and convenience. Check with United for a sale, too.