yukira

My understanding is that the airline we are flying (Allegiant) will take us to Gate D and we will need to take a tram to and from that area. If this is the case has anyone used the tram at McCarran and can give me an idea what to expect in terms of access and crowding. I'm not sure if I have mentioned previously that my husband is in a manual chair and will not require any assistance from a wheelchair pusher, etc. In addition, we will have our 4 1/2 year old with us so I just want to know what to expect before we get there. Its been 10 years since we have been to Vegas and I do not remember us having to take a tram or having a particularly long hike from our gate to the front of the airport.

Thanks.

rollthere

The D Concourse is quite chair friendly. I travel there often using a power chair and always have a good experience, and always ride the tram to the D gates. There is a pretty quick wheelchair/disabled security line to the far left against the wall and I've always found TSA there to be pretty good with 'stuff' people in chairs typically have with them. From security the tram is only about 50 meters and it is certainly accessible. You'll just need to hang on to something, as it's a bit of a jerky ride in a manual chair. Once out at terminal D, it's about 100m to a large elevator up to the gate level. There are lots of little airport snacks near the D gates, but I doubt I can think of how to entertain a 4 year old other than slot machines! Just don't waste time in the main terminal, get through security! Depending on when you leave the security area can be a zoo! However, other than at security I love the wide open space in D, absolutely no way to feel crowded.

yukira

Thanks for the info. I tend to overworry a bit when I travel, especially when I am not just responsible for myself. We are arriving in Vegas on Sun and leaving on Thurs midday so I am hoping it won't be quite as insane as trying to leave on Sunday afternoon with everyone else. My mom is picking us up so at least we won't have to wait for a cab that can accommodate the wheelchair.

rollthere

Arriving on Sunday will be busy (not Friday busy, but busy) and Thursday midday should be a breeze. One of my favorite thing about Vegas is the abundance of wheelchair cabs. It was explained to me (and I tend to believe it) that taxi each company must have four of its 16 cabs wheelchair accessible, 25%!

So whether you're at the airport or a casino, even if you were to wait in line with everyone else (which they generally won't let you), you wouldn't be waiting long. At the airport (and casinos), just ask the taxi/security guy (or bellhop) for a wheelchair van taxi and they'll bring you right to the front as soon as they see one. I've never waited more than five minutes for a wheelchair taxi at the airport or hotel. If you're at a restaurant or private home, just get the number of the guy that drops you off.

yukira

Just wanted to post an update for anyone seeking the same information. The trams at the D gates in Las Vegas were a breeze. Thursday was a little more crowded than Sunday but we just waited for the next tram and were first in line. Security was a little slow as there were a ton of people in wheelchairs going through but not too bad. The people who helped with the aisle chair were really helpful, apparently they are a company LAS outsources to. The only negative part of our LAS experience was an hour delay on a very hot aircraft while they fixed the radio and when we finally got to EUG we didn't realize that one of my husband's mud/side guards was missing. I will try to contact Allegiant but am not hopeful so I will just have to purchase a new one.

rollthere

I'm glad things went well for you. I'll be out there next week and also leaving on a Thursday (late night). As many conventions end on Thursdays, the evenings have the potential to be very busy, but I'm a bit surprised that it was so busy midday.

That D security line can get pretty backed up with wheelchairs. It seems Vegas as a whole is big on offering wheelchairs up to folks that have difficulty walking, but wouldn't otherwise use a wheelchair. Sometimes I wonder with the size of those casinos that maybe I'm just "blessed" with a chair!

ALWAYS do a quick inventory of your chair in the jetway before the crew leaves. That way if something broke along the way the CSR that meets the plane can input the appropriate notation in your record. Otherwise your left to the mercy of baggage services who may not even be around late at night or are busy dealing with lost luggage. Even without a notation in your record or baggage claim/incident number the airlines are pretty good about reimbursement for minor damage. Call them ASAP!

yukira

Which is exactly what my husband should have done as it is his chair and he knows what is missing or not. But he was in a bit of a mood so I let it go. Fortunately, I called my mom first and it turns out it fell out in her trunk on the way to the airport.

BTW even with the crowd on Thursday it didn't take too long. Sunday at 6:00 p.m. when we arrived was surprisingly very empty. I guess everyone had already left town. Have a good trip. I'm looking forward to planning my next one.