eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog - Las Vegas Airport

eXpect delaYs due to Las Vegas Airport D Concourse Tram Renovation in February 2009

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:40:12 -0500

Trams connecting Las Vegas McCarran International Airport D Concourse to Terminal 1 are undergoing renovations during February and Spring 2009 -- eXpect delaYs

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (February 2009) --The first stage of renovations on the trams connecting the D concourse to Terminal 1 at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport are schedule to take place this month from February 4 through February 21, 2009. The trams transport passengers between Terminal 1 to the D Concourse. The first phase involves renovation of the North tram, and during this time only the South tram will be functioning. During this time, shuttle bus service will also be provided to transport passengers between Terminal 1 and D concourse. None-the-less, it is recommended that passengers allow extra time, particularly during high volume times. Peak high volume times are considered to be from 5 am to 9am Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. It is suggested that passengers allow 30 minutes extra during these times, according to airport recommendations.

Once construction on the North tram is completed, there will be a period without construction so that service is not disrupted during some major Las Vegas events. Construction will then resume in the Spring.

Airlines serviced by D Concourse at McCarran International Airport include: AirTran, Alaska, Allegiant, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Horizon Air, jetBlue, Northwest, Sun Country, United and Virgin America.

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport Runway Construction Project Affecting Air & Ground Traffic (LAS)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:54:25 -0500

During Las Vegas McCarran International Airport runway construction project, weather may cause flight delays and drivers are also urged to take caution near construction vehicles. Runway construction is expected to be from November 2008 until May 1, 2009.

LAS VEGAS McCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - November 2008 – A necessary construction project to upgrade the surface of one of Las Vegas McCarran International Airport's four runways could for the next several months affect arriving and departing flights, as well as motor vehicle traffic south of the airport. The Clark County Department of Aviation on Nov. 1 closed McCarran’s Runway 25L/7R to replace its asphalt with a more durable concrete surface. This runway is expected to be closed through May 1, 2009. In the interim, the Federal Aviation Administration will attempt to maximize its use of McCarran Airport's three other runways to maintain a steady air traffic flow both in and out of Las Vegas without significant flight delays.

“Construction was deliberately scheduled during the winter months to minimize this work’s impact on local air traffic,” said Randall H. Walker, director of the Clark County Department of Aviation. “This runway is 10,500 feet in length, just short of two miles, and we have crews working around the clock.”

When using the FAA’s preferred configuration, air traffic at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) can operate at or near normal capacity. However, flight delays could occur when other traffic patterns are required due to weather conditions. The length of these flight delays will vary based on factors that include the severity of the weather, and the number of flights scheduled to arrive or depart during a given period. Before heading to the airport, travelers are advised to check their flight’s status by logging on to www.eXpectdelaYs.com or www.mccarran.com or by contacting their airline directly.

The Department of Aviation is also asking drivers to take extra caution near the intersection of Sunset and Bermuda roads, as well as near the on- and off-ramps that link Sunset with the Interstate 215 Airport Connector Tunnel during the runway construction project (See map). Construction traffic heading in and out of these access points will affect other drivers in the area until the runway rehabilitation is completed.

A four-way traffic signal at Sunset and Bermuda will be operating later this month. Private vehicles cannot access the work site north of the intersection, though nearby drivers will encounter construction vehicles entering or exiting the runway site via Sunset or Bermuda. Separately, northbound construction traffic will exit the I-215 Airport Connector Tunnel using the same Sunset Road off-ramp private motor vehicles use. In addition, runway construction traffic will enter the southbound I-215 Airport Connector by merging onto an existing on-ramp near the intersection of Sunset and Grier Drive. Drivers in these areas should be aware of construction traffic entering or exiting the work site, often at reduced rates of speed. Obey the posted speed limits, and be cognizant of new access points that will bring cross traffic from directions that previously produced none.

The $75 million Runway 25L/7R rehabilitation project is partially financed through a $28.4 million FAA grant. The Department of Aviation’s budget is funded through revenue generated by airport business operations, not local tax dollars.

Things to do During a Flight Delay or Layover at the Las Vegas Airport (McCarran International Airport, LAS)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:58:00 -0500

Las Vegas Airport Restaurants, Bars, Health Club, Museum, Play Areas and Other Diversions Help Pass the Time While You Wait for Your Flight

The first thing to consider during a flight delay or layover is the lay of the land. The Las Vegas Airport (McCarran International Airport) has a central Esplanade area, and four separate “Gates” (A-D) and a “Terminal 2”. Most of the major American Airlines fly from Gates A-D. The widest variety of airport restaurants and beverage options are on Gate D, so you may consider heading over there if you have a long flight delay or layover if your flight is on another Gate. Below you will find a list of suggestions for passing the time at the Las Vegas Airport, including Las Vegas Airport restaurants and bars, children's play areas, a health club, and other activities.

Learn about aviation. Check out the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum. Stroll through exhibits about the history of aviation in Southern Nevada. The main exhibit is located in the Esplanade, Terminal 1 Level 2, with additional displays throughout the Las Vegas Airport.

Work out. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport has a health club within in, 24 Hour Fitness, so if you want to get in a workout during your flight delay or layover in Las Vegas, you are in luck. According the company website, this club's hours may not be 24 hours on weekends. Call the club to confirm hours or for details: 702/261-3971.

Saturday: 6am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Monday 5am through Friday 11pm
Holiday hours may vary
Located in the Esplanade (Terminal 1, Level2)

Win Money. Of course, it wouldn't be Las Vegas if they didn't give you another chance to strike it rich! Maybe you should look at your flight delay or layover as an omen, or suggestion from the Powers That Be to try your luck one more time. There are slot machines located throughout terminals 1 & 2.

Let the kids burn off some energy. Las Vegas Airport flight delays and layovers can be tough on kids, and they may not really enjoy (or be allowed to enjoy) Las Vegas' other amenities. A kid's play area is available in the D gates area. Maybe that will stop them from using the back of the seat in front of them as a punching bag while they are on the plane.

Have a drink. Considering this is Las Vegas, why not! If you are looking for a place that's has a little room to spread out to enjoy your beverage, you may want to check out the Budweiser Brew House, located on Gate A (at the “branch point” between it's two concourses, and not all that long a walk from Gate B), or the Gordon Biersch Brewing Company located on Gate D. If you are not flying on one of the airlines at D gate, you'll need to take the tram out there, so leave a little extra time, but if you have a long flight delay or layover, it may be worth it. We haven't personally tried the options on Gate C, but Corcoran's Irish Pub sounds like it has potential. If none of these strike your fancy, there are a number of other bars to choose from (although not as many as you might expect).

Grab a cup o' joe or a pastry. At the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport there is, of course, a Starbucks and Cinnabon at all the Gates, as well as a Starbucks in the Esplanade, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Gate C.

Have some food, fast. There are all the usual suspects found at most airports, as well as a Wolfgang Puck Express at Gate A,B,C & D; Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom on Gate D, and Ruby's Dinette on Gate D, to name a few that you may want to try for something a little different. Two new additions to the Las Vegas Airport restaurants are California Pizza Kitchen and Burke In The Box, both located at the D Gates. Read more about these new Las Vegas Airport restaurants at California Pizza Kitchen Opens at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and Burke In The Box Restaurant Makes Its Airport Debut At Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).

Explore Las Vegas. Do this one with caution and only if you have ample time. Even though the Strip is “just over there”, there can often be very long security checkpoint lines at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, and getting to and from the Las Vegas airport can also be fraught with delays, as getting a taxi from, and sometimes to, the airport can also take considerable time, and there can also often be traffic on the Strip. So think twice, and make sure you have the time and a contingency plan if you miss your flight!

Surf the Web. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport provides free WiFi, so whether you are in an airport restaurant, bar or just waiting at the gate, you can surf the web for free. While you are on-line, you can keep up to date on airport delays and your flight status at eXpectdelaYs.com.

These suggestions should help you survive, and maybe even enjoy, your flight delays and layovers at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Please share any of your own suggestions or comments with us!

Remember, if you eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
Happy Travels!
-Gus
[originally posted March 9, 2008. Updated November 17, 2008)

California Pizza Kitchen Opens at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:57:42 -0500

California Pizza Kitchen joins other airport restaurants at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport D Gates in Terminal 1 (LAS)

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) - November 12, 2008 -- California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened a new Restaurant in McCarran International Airport at the D Gates. The airport restaurant features familar favorites, and in addition will serve breakfast items.

The menu at the McCarran International Airport CPK features a specialized selection of CPK’s most popular pizzas, pastas, salads, soups, appetizers and desserts from the full-service restaurant menu, including the new Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Chicken Tequila Fettuccine, Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad, Spinach Artichoke Dip and Red Velvet Cake. A variety of sandwiches including the Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich will be available along with a selection of beverages.

Other D Gate restaurants are listed below and include the newly opened Burke In The Box Restaurant (discussed on the eXpect delaYs Blog on November 4, 2008):

Cinnabon
Juice Express
Chili's Too
Pizza Hut Express
Starbucks
Quizno's Subs
Burger King
TCBY Treats
Home Turf Sports Bar
Aunt Anne's Pretzels
Ruby's Dinette
Port of Subs
Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
Mrs. Fields
Wolfgang Puck Express
Jody Maroni's Sausage Kingdom
Burke In The Box
California Pizza Kitchen

Source: Press release via Yahoo! Finance News and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) websites, November 13, 2008.

Burke In The Box Restaurant Makes Its Airport Debut At Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:25:23 -0500

New Restaurant by Chef David Burke, Burke in the Box, joins Las Vegas McCarran International Airport Concessions Near D Gates In Terminal 1

BETHESDA, MD - Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) (October 30, 2008) – If ever a restaurant was tailor-made for airport travelers, it is Chef David Burke’s Burke in the Box, known for its whimsical atmosphere, delicious food and convenient service. HMSHost, a world leader in travel venue dining and shopping, and Executive Chef David Burke announce the grand opening of the first airport location for Burke in the Box at McCarran International Airport. The new eat-in restaurant, which also offers “grab-n-go” options, is located in Terminal 1 adjacent to the D Gates.

“HMSHost consistently exceeds our travelers’ expectations by providing superior airport dining ptions,” said Randall H. Walker, Director, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). “We’re pleased to have HMSHost and David Burke work together to establish the first U.S. airport outpost of a David Burke signature restaurant at LAS . Burke in the Box is an exceptional addition to our food and beverage line-up.”

Blurring the lines between chef, artist, entrepreneur and inventor, David Burke stands as one of the leading pioneers in American cooking today. His fascination with ingredients and the art of the meal has fueled a career marked by creativity, critical acclaim and the introduction of revolutionary
restaurant concepts.“McCarran Airport is the ideal location to open the third installment of Burke in the Box,” says Executive Chef David Burke. “It provides the perfect opportunity to reach a new demographic in an exciting and busy setting. I’m pleased to partner with HMSHost and McCarran
Airport to offer travelers my signature cuisine that can be enjoyed on the go.”

Burke in the Box serves hot items and boxed cold items including signature sandwiches, salads and pastry-chef designed desserts. The menu reflects the contemporary and eclectic atmosphere of the restaurant - pairing sophisticated dishes with Burke’s unique twist on old classics:
• “Big Pretzel” Chicken Panini, Cowboy Beef Chili, Millionaire’s Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and “Angry Hen-in-law” will satisfy the heartiest traveler’s appetite.
• The Kobe Beef “Bad as Dog” hot dog (or as Burke prefers to call it, “haute dog”), Tomato Soup with Cheese Tortellini and Burke’s namesake Cheeseburker Sliders round out the diverse menu.
• On the lighter side, guests will find amazing salads and terrific appetizers.
• Burke’s creative breakfast menu selections include French Toast “Sticks,” Chocolate Croissants and the Big Pretzel Breakfast Sandwich, to name a few.
• Trademark Cheese Cake Lollipops will tempt dining guests to round out their meal with dessert.

“There is a definite air of excitement with the addition of David Burke’s brand to the concession line-up at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. His high quality, creative food offerings and cuisine will please the most discerning travelers on the go and make their day better,” said Anthony Alessi, Vice President, Business Development for HMSHost. The restaurant was designed by Las Vegas-based architects, Tate Snyder Kimsey, and features an inviting interior dining and bar experience with the convenience of an “On the Fly” take-away counter. To match the fanciful nature of Chef Burke’s personality and innovative culinary style, the restaurant features a warm color palette with punches of vibrant orange and jack-in-the-box décor.