Dec. 15--You don't have to be tech savvy to make your way around McCarran International Airport -- but it helps.
With thousands of travelers who don't go to the airport often getting set to fly away for the holidays, McCarran officials on Thursday reminded the public of some of the innovations at one of the nation's most technologically friendly airports.
"Just because you're not a regular does not mean you can't fly like a seasoned veteran," said Rosemary Vassiliadis, deputy director of the Clark County Aviation Department. "All it takes to become an expert is a few minutes and access to these easy-to-use technological tools."
Among those tools is free WiFi access. While many airports charge for Internet access, it's available in all public areas of the airport at no charge.
Recently named by Facebook as one of the nation's top 10 "social" airports, McCarran has plenty of other technological features that help travelers:
--McCarran is on Facebook and Twitter, and those pages provide frequent updates on everything from parking availability to weather delays.
--The airport's website, McCarran.com, offers interactive airport maps, dining and shopping directories, flight schedule updates and details on ground transportation. FlyMcCarran.com also has flight status information that can be sent to mobile devices.
--Google recently activated its Google Maps for Adroid, enabling passengers to find their way around the airport with a blue dot guide.
--ReCharge Zones are located throughout the airport for passengers to charge their mobile devices between flights or prior to boarding.
--Five airlines are onboard with mobile check-in, enabling passengers to have their mobile devices scanned to access flights. The feature, offered by Alaska, American, Continental, Delta and United, eliminates the need for paper boarding passes.
--McCarran's year-old automated parking feature speeds the payment and exit process from several lots. Express Exit pay stations are located in central locations in the parking lot. People picking up passengers deposit their parking tickets and can pay with cash or a credit card. The receipt card is used to exit the lot.
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