Friday, Aug. 31, 2001 | 10:26 a.m.
With cheap gasoline prices, reduced-rate flights and available hotel rooms, tens of thousands of Las Vegans are expected to leave their tourism capital hometown for other destinations this Labor Day weekend.
AAA Nevada says a gallon of regular unleaded self-serve gasoline is selling on average for $1.38 in Las Vegas -- 10 cents cheaper than the national average. The agency, however, says Nevada travelers can expect more expensive gasoline prices in Utah ($1.41 on average), Los Angeles ($1.53) and San Diego ($1.64).
"The increase in motor travel is certainly no surprise considering the sharp drop in gasoline prices in Nevada, AAA Nevada spokeswoman Lisa Foster said in a news release. "With the slowing economy, more people are skipping luxurious vacations and opting for destinations they can drive to."
While 93 percent of Nevadans will travel by car -- a record, up 9 percent from last year -- air, bus and rail also are expected to be busy, says AAA, a 100-year-old organization that offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to 44 million members, including 300,000 Nevadans.
"It has been a busy summer and we are expecting 100,000 passengers in and out of McCarran (International Airport) for this last busy weekend of the summer," said airport spokeswoman Debbie Millett.
"Parking will be the big issue. When the longterm lot is full we will open the remote lot and there will be signs instructing people where to park."
No additional flights will be added, but flights are expected to be fuller, she said, noting that travelers are asked to arrive 90 minutes early and bring a valid photo ID in addition to their tickets.
For the latest parking information at McCarran, travelers should call 261-5121. The latest flight information can be obtained on the internet at www.mccarran.com.
AAA says that bargain-hunters who waited until today to book flights should be rewarded with slashed prices and available flights to many destinations. Cruise line packages also are available at reduced rates, AAA said.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is projecting a 93.8 percent room occupancy rate, comparable to last Labor Day. An estimated 269,000 visitors are expected to come to town and spend $179.3 million in non-gaming activities. Gaming revenue projections were not available.
AAA says the top destination spots for the 240,000 Nevadans expected to travel greater than 50 miles are in Utah and Southern California. They include Zion, Bryce and the Grand canyons, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Laughlin, a popular instate destination on the Colorado River still had rooms available today.
A spot check of Laughlin hotels this morning showed the Riverside had $79 rooms, $89 with a river view. Colorado Belle had $75 rooms, $105 with a river view. The Edgewater had $75 riverview rooms, but filled the last of its $60 rooms shortly before 9 a.m. today.
Nationwide, an estimated 33.2 million Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend, up 2 percent from last year, AAA said, noting that 42 percent will stay at hotels and motels while 31 percent will stay with friends and relatives.
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