LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Flight cancellations and delays at Harry Reid International Airport are driving travelers to rental cars as an alternative to waiting for rescheduled flights.
Travelers at the airport’s car rental shuttle said they chose to drive rather than wait for the next available flight. Claudia Kilbride, a Las Vegas real estate agent, said her weekend travel has been difficult.
“Yesterday I was in New York City and my flight got canceled. I had to rebook. And then when you got on the plane, it took over an hour just to take off,” Kilbride said.
Kilbrid said she will rent cars with her friends for their next stop to Los Angeles, saying flying is not a good option right now.
“For sure, it’s something that is inconvenient because the plane is 45 minutes late. But now you have to wait two hours just to get on the runway,” she said.
Car rental companies report increased demand. Avis Car Rental said in part of a statement that they “have been seeing an increase in one-way rental activity as airlines adjust flight schedules and travelers explore alternative ways to reach their destinations.”
At the airport’s Rent-A-Car Center, shuttles depart every 15 minutes, but wait times and congestion can vary based on traffic, special events, or delayed flights.
Travelers are being advised to reserve rental cars well in advance, check flight status, and consider alternatives if rental desks are full.
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