Las Vegas Vacation Blog Blog

US Airways is closing its Las Vegas hub and many of the pilots who fly for the airline spent some time expressing their thoughts on the ground Wednesday. Some US Airways pilots hit the picket line at McCarran International.

“So what we’re hoping for is to alert local citizens, local business communities and local politicians that this is important and we’d like their support and help in writing to US Airways and having them reconsider,” said James Ray.

Pilots say the shut down will further limit flight options in and out of Las Vegas. It will also leave around 300 local workers without jobs.

Source

DUI or drunk driving is the most common criminal offense in the Las Vegas area. This trend has not only launched groups pushing for stricter laws, but it has also created another industry focused on defending those charged with a DUI. DUI checkpoints are a scene many locals are used to since the city serves alcohol. Sandy Heverly with Stop DUI describes Las Vegas as a culture of drinking, even though the state has seen a significant reduction in DUI accidents and fatalities.

“Alcohol is a drug, a drug that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe fashion,” says Heverly.

Although Nevada has some of the toughest DUI laws, advocacy groups want more. Working with the Nevada Legislature, Heverly is pushing a bill that would double the cap for victim compensation.

“This bill is not just designed for…any crime victim that suffers injuries and requires additional assistance. The beauty of this bill is it does not affect our general fund; it has nothing to do with that. It has no fiscal note to this. These monies are derived from federal grants and other resources.”

But for all of the resources for victims, you’ll find just as many for offenders.

A simple online search found numerous web sites focused on helping those charged with DUIs. Local attorney Michael Becker lists his help online. He says he is not advocating drinking and driving, but rather provides helpful information for those who run into trouble.

“Where there is a demand for service, there are those that respond and provide those services. Of course, those who are facing prosecution for driving under the influence need representation; because some are guilty, some may not be.”

A second bill up for debate would require all DUI offenders to attend a live victim panel within a sixty-mile radius of their home, as opposed to watching it online where there is no supervision.

If traveling around the strip, walking is a reasonable option as hotel-casinos are found close to each other. In fact in most cases, at least two hotels are connected to each other either by bridge or underground or in the case of Excalibur, Luxor and Malanday Bay, by a complimentary rail shuttle. Be aware that during the summer, the oppressive heat during the daylight hours may make walking a very uncomfortable activity. So if you don’t feel like walking or are staying at a hotel off the strip or better yet renting a home in Las Vegas here are some options:

he Las Vegas Monorail [11], +1 702 699-8200, runs on the east side of the strip with stops behind several of the hotels and at the Las Vegas Convention Center [12]. It costs $5 one-way, $9 return and $15 for a one-day pass. Do the math before boarding, it could be cheaper for a small group to take a taxi. Because the monorail stops at the back entrance of the hotels, it takes a long time to wind through the maze of casinos, often taking 30 minutes to an hour to get from one point to another on the Strip - if you’re in a hurry take a taxi.

Taxi

One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. It is relatively cheap to go from hotel to hotel. The cab driver is required to turn on the meter and to take the shortest route to your destination. There is a surcharge for rides originating at the airport, but not for extra passengers. Taxi lines (queues) are typically found at the front of hotels. You would be unwise to attempt to hail one on the street, especially on the Strip as it is illegal for a cab to stop traffic to pick up or drop off a passenger. The best way to hail a cab outside of a cabstand is to use the following method: if you are wanting to go north on the strip, stand on the east side about 20 feet before a turn off. The cab you want to wave over will have the yellow lights off. Standing like this allows the cab to turn off the road and pick you up. It is customary to tip the hotel taxi dispatcher $1 or more; tip the cab driver at least 15% of the meter, and about $1 per piece of luggage.

Renting a Car in Las Vegas

Renting a car at McCarran International Airport is fairly cheap and popular. The opening of the new rental car facility has increased the wait time to get your car. All the rental agencies are now located under a single roof and all use the same shuttle from the airport to the facility. There have been reports of an extra 30 min increase in the time it takes to pick up and/or drop off your vehicle, so please add this to any arrival and departure times so you won’t be late for anything important. Expect to pay about 50% more for your car rental due to recent tax increases.

Office Star, an importer of ready-to-assemble home office and entertainment furniture, said it will open its World Market Center showroom, space C-1340, during next month’s Consumer Electronics Show here.

CES, which annually draws more than 125,000 people, takes place Jan. 8-11.

The company will provide complimentary transportation to and from Las Vegas Strip and downtown hotels, as well as the Las Vegas Convention Center, which is the largest CES venue.

Scott Danto, vice president of sales and marketing, said the company will use the show to unveil its Elliptical entertainment furniture. The new contemporary collection features pieces constructed of MDF with a sleek, oval-shaped design and matte black crinkle finished vinyl. Most units have tempered glass shelves.

To make a showroom appointment and arrange for transportation, call (909) 930-2000, extension 225, prior to CES or (702) 380-8322 during the show.