Christmas travel could be easier this year

Traveling this holiday season in something other than a reindeer-powered flying sleigh? The good news is that, like Santa, you needn't worry about crowds. Fewer people are expected to clog Interstate 15 and McCarran International Airport than last year -- this despite falling gasoline and airline ticket prices.

"Every other major holiday in 2008 showed a slight decrease in traffic from the same holiday weekend the year before, and I don't expect that to change," said AAA spokesman Michael Geeser, blaming (of course) the economy. (McCarran spokesman Chris Jones echoed the sentiment.)

And Christmas is traditionally a breeze as holidays go anyway, because the airport exodus stagnates over several days, and fewer tourists and residents are on the road than on Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve or Labor Day.

Still, there are some things you'll want to consider.

Flying out of McCarran?

* Check your flight's status before leaving home. Only three of four runways are operating; 25R-7L is being resurfaced.

"If the weather is cooperative, they can use the other three runways with the same level of efficiency," said McCarran's Jones. "But if the weather forces aircraft to approach from directions other than they would prefer, that can cause delays."

* A new economy parking lot -- accommodating 5,100 cars -- recently opened on Kitty Hawk Way, south of Tropicana Avenue and west of Paradise Road. It's $8 per day, versus $14 to park in the garage and $21 to valet at the airport. There's also a remote lot, along Gilespie Street south of George Crockett Road, if you want to pay $5 a day. But it's a hike. (Courtesy shuttle service is available, but incorporate the increased distance into travel plans.)

"We'll have enough spaces," Jones said. "We're not asking people to get a ride like we've done in years past."

* Don't wrap your holiday gifts. The person opening them may be an inspector instead of your loved ones.

* Arriving 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and two hours before an international one, is still the rule.

"If you're not checking a bag, you might be able to get by with a little less," Jones said. "But the best thing to do this time of year is play it safe, because if you miss a flight, it's going to be difficult to find an open seat anywhere else."

Driving?

* Have your vehicle serviced by an approved mechanic. Make sure that tire pressure is checked, along with all fluid levels.

* Pack blankets, water and snacks.

* Monitor news broadcasts for accidents and weather-related closures. (Construction is suspended for the week.)

* Let someone know where you're going and when -- especially if you're planning to divert from major thoroughfares and don't want your network television debut to be on "48 Hours Mystery."

* Know where you're going. Winter is no time to experiment with unfamiliar roads.

"If you don't have a GPS, you can have us map out your trip for you," said AAA's Geeser.

Going Greyhound?

* Arrive at least an hour in advance.

"We operate on a first-come, first-served basis," said Greyhound spokeswoman Abby Wambaugh. "So whether you purchase your ticket an hour or a month before, you have the same chance of getting a seat as someone else."

* Some routes have priority boarding available. For an extra $5, you can reserve a seat.

* The first bag is free, the second is $10. (All bags must have an identification tag.)

* Call (800) 231-2222 at least 48 hours in advance if you require assistance because of a disability.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0456.