McCarran International Airport: Terminal 2

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian Airlines flights operate at Terminal 2 at McCarran International Airport. I still can't believe the terminal is still in use as it's vastly outdated in terms of comfort, restaurants and shopping not to mention decor compared to the airport's other terminals. It's main purpose is to serve as the International Terminal for other airlines such as Air Canada and AeroMexico.

But the final days of Terminal 2 are numbered. With the shining new Terminal 3 on the verge of opening, all airlines operating from Terminal 2 will be moved to gates at Terminals 1 or 3. Word is that the new Terminal 3 will open within the next month. But the move out of all airlines from Terminal 2 will extend beyond that date.

However one this terminal's faults is actually a on the flip-side a plus. It's an awfully small terminal especially for one that serves international flights. But because it's not as large as it's neighbor terminals,  the walk from gate to baggage claim to curb is not as long.

On that note, I did check in one bag and I wait with the other passengers at the baggage carousel in Terminal 2. I'm hoping the taxi ride and hotel check-in are smooth and quick. I just want to grab a midnight snack and get some sleep.

America's Worst & Best Airports Ranked by T+L

La Guardia Airport (photo: jimcintosh/flickr)

Another report from Travel & Leisure reveals the best and worst airports in America. The magazine's readers rated the airports based on flight delays; design; amenities; food and drink; check-in and security; service; and transportation and location.

The worst list is always more interesting since we tend to argue because of how we vary in our determination of what constitutes a "best" airport. I'm disappointed that my favorite DFW is on the worst list and surprised that LAS is on the worst list.

Worst Airports in the USA:
1. New York (LGA)
2. Los Angeles (LAX)
3. Philadelphia (PHL)
4. New York (JFK)
5. Newark (EWR)
6. Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
7. Washington Dulles (IAD)
8. Boston (BOS)
9. Houston (IAH)
10. Atlanta (ATL)
11. Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
The magazine reports regarding number one worst ranked La Guardia (LGA): "Dilapidated La Guardia hasn't aged well. The airport has the dubious honor of ranking the worst for the check-in and security process, the worst for baggage handling, the worst when it comes to providing Wi-Fi, the worst at staff communication, and the worst design and cleanliness. If there was a ray of hope, its location, was considered superior to six other airports."

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
(photo: rmpenguino/flickr)

Best Airports in the USA:
1. Minneapolis (MSP)
2. Charlotte (CLT)
3. Detroit Metropolitan (DTW)
4. Orlando (MCO)
5. San Francisco (SFO)
6. Baltimore (BWI)
7. Las Vegas (LAS)
8. Seattle (SEA)
9. Denver (DEN)
10. Miami International (MIA)
11. Phoenix (PHX)
The magazine reports regarding number one ranked best ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP): "This may be the cheeriest and most welcoming airport in the nation. T+L voters loved the shopping and food and drink options at this mini-mall of an airport, and when it came to ease of check-in and security, Minneapolis also took the No. 1 spot. It came in second for design and cleanliness, baggage handling, staff communication, and airport location. Only its Wi-Fi offerings were lackluster (11th place), but that still left this midwestern oasis as the clear winner."

Click HERE to view the full article and analysis of each ranking on the Travel & Leisure website.

Slot Machines at the Airport

(photo: TheHopefulTraveler)

Hawaiian Airlines departs from the "in need of an upgrade" Terminal 2 at McCarran International Airport. The word is airlines operating at these gates would be moved to the other terminals. The newly construction Terminal 3 is set to open in the coming months. Korean Air and AeroMexico are among the few airlines that operate at Terminal 2.

Each time I have visited Vegas, I always thought that finding slot machines in the terminal and near the departure gates seems like a punchline to vacation here. It's the last chance anyone here has to empty your wallet. I'm not tempted especially for a 1:55am departure when I'd rather be sleeping in bed.