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G.B.Blackrock of the Allspark was kind enough to whip up a quasi Unofficial Botcon 2009 Pasadena Survival Guide for those that don't know/live in/around the greater LA area. Here's my input for Kenyastarflight's cry for help.

Airports, Los Angeles International because it's a lot better than stopping at LA/Ontario International, Van Nuys, or Bob Hope. Yes, LAX is a little further compared to Van Nuys, but I guarantee you, you're better off at LAX than the other airports I mentioned but there's a chance of getting a bit lost (I don't go to LAX as often compared to the past but the changes over the years keeps me on my toes). Hence, a strong suggestion of getting there at least a day, if not two, before Botcon if you can. Your body will thank you on adjusting to the time change and the flight, plus you won't be as frazzled on "OMG, must check-in and get to convention center to pick up pass!"

As someone who drives around Los Angeles County, it may depend on your perception of driving. Most of the major freeways (interstates and highways) have an average speed limit of 65 mph, while the streets will vary depending on traffic volume (on average, the fastest at 40 on the big arteries). If you don't mind being cutoff by people unexpectedly, you can rent. If you're not too keen on driving, taxis are available but you might want to check the rates. Southern California Freeways, for a little reading.

Car rentals, you can try Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, and Thrifty. I've used Enterprise in the past and their service is pretty good (when I had car troubles ).

If taxis or car renting isn't in your budget, Metro of the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority have shuttles, buses, and rails that'll get you from LAX to Pasadena (and other major cities) at a lower rate. You'll have to keep a closer eye on your luggage, but that's an unavoidable trade-off. On the nice flip side, you can catch the sights you might miss while looking at a map, and it's fairly safe. Study the PDF maps Metro has on their site (make sure your Adobe Reader is the latest version), because it can get a little confusing.

Allspark.com discussions regarding the location:

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Basically, consider your hotel options first, just to get that squared away and you'll be able to stay somewhere. Stay there the full length? Stay there partially? Stay there with a day to buffer before and after the convention?

Consider transport. America, Delta, Southwest? Do you want to try your driving skills from the airport in a place where driving is such a major part of the culture? Do you want to spend on taxi service so you don't have to worry about possibly freaking out while trying to get used to Southern California freeways? Do you want to save a little and use public transportation provided in the form of shuttles, rails, and buses by Metro?

Pick up several maps and guidebooks of Pasadena, if not at least covering Los Angeles County. It helps in case you get lost.

Food. You can bring a little of home with you, or try out the variety of cuisine that is in/around Pasadena if you have the extra time. Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, grills, Italian... ToEat.com and Travel Gator with some listings.

Extra cash, for emergencies and in case some places don't accept card. Keep a way of contact between you and HFS (spare chargers for cell phones if you both use 'em often), or at least agree on a meet-up place in case either of you get lost at the convention center.

Another piece of advice: mark your check-in luggage. Tie a scrap of bright cloth to the handles, so that way you can ID them a heck lot more easily at the carousel after you land.

See if you can get a convention discount (by phone, if you have to). Some might if they're close or associated with the convention center, but I'm not sure about those further away.

On costume, there's a couple considerations. If you're within reasonably walking distance, you could go ahead and try while in costume - while answering some questions along the way. If you have to take the bus, I suggest carrying the pieces with you and then dress at the convention center (which means get there early).

Map things out. Mapquest the restaurants, where your hotel is, a route between the hotel and the convention center. Keep them on you so you won't be as lost.

I find it equally as badly formatted, but I'm only cutting them a LITTLE BIT of slack because FP isn't exactly powerhouses like the folks the SPJA (Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation) does for Anime Expo or those that help run SDCC.