Smartphone app gives travelers layout of McCarran airport

McCarran International Airport has offered travelers free wireless Internet service for seven years. On Thursday, airport officials announced a new smartphone application they hope will further ease travel.

Google and McCarran recently joined forces to create a detailed map of the airport that can be used with Android phones.

Once Google Maps is downloaded, users can zoom in through the airports roof and directly into its terminals. Users can see which restaurants and shops are available on the other side of security. They can also find restrooms and, after all that, stations to recharge their computers or phones.

Rosemary Vassiliadis said the airport has been known for its technology and services available online. Facebook ranked McCarran ninth in the world on a list of most social airports.

"We're really excited to step that effort up," she said.

Up-to-date information on issues such as weather problems that affect flights can be found on Facebook.com/lasairport or at Twitter.com/lasairport.

Airlines have also hopped on board. Alaska, American, Continental, Delta and United airlines allow customers to use their mobile boarding pass feature. Boarding passes are displayed on the phone, eliminating the need to print them on paper.

Travelers can also use fly.mccarran.com to have current flight status information sent directly to their phone.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.