Letter: Free luggage carts at airport needed

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

Let's borrow a page from Europe's large airports to tell tourists that we really care about them from the get-go. It would be a thoughtful, pro active policy to have the individual luggage carts at McCarran International Airport available without charge.

This welcoming gesture would be a wonderful surprise for tourists who come to enjoy all that our city has to offer. Another benefit would be the good investment in health and prevention. I shudder when I see people of all ages struggling with their luggage because I know that it can be easier and safer.

I was thinking that this could easily be done if the carts carried local advertising to make up for the rental cost. And then, voila! At McCarran in mid-August, what do I see on the carts but large posters encouraging advertisers. Imagine the positive image for the traveler who locates a complimentary cart with the friendly message that says, "This cart made available for you by (sponsor/company). "

Major European airports, such as Schiphol in Amsterdam, have provided luggage carts without charge for years. Wouldn't it be nice to have something for our visitors that doesn't have a cost attached? I would like to see this happen.

Patricia van Betten, Blue Diamond