By being one of the most geographically isolated major cities in America, Vegas presents a bit of a challenge. Namely, getting here.

Whether it's by plane, train, or automobile -- actually, just plane or automobile -- traveling to Vegas has gotten a lot more difficult in recent months.

After the debacle at McCarran Airport a couple of weeks ago, where a mass exodus of travelers caused lines that stretched as far as the eye could see, officials with the transportation hub said they were putting processes in place to avoid a repeat. Good intentions, but the combination of Valentine's Day weekend visitors, President's Day weekend visitors, and visitors to two big conventions all trying to leave at roughly the same time caused gridlock at the airport again last week.

Stories of missed flights and lines longer than that of any buffet in town were rampant. Some passengers reported waits of up to four hours, a figure airport officials suggest may become more common during peak periods.

Those same officials blamed an increase in passengers and the added security measures for the delays. They claim to be working on ways to solve the problems, including the addition of several more security lanes for the C and D concourses, but that project probably won't be done until later this year. Even when complete, there's no guarantee the new lines will significantly speed up the process.

Another big change under way at the airport is aimed at alleviating congestion but may only add to it in the short run. A new $160 million rental car center is being built south of the airport. All passengers will be shuttled to the new facility on non-proprietary buses, meaning no more Hertz and Avis buses, just generic "rental car" shuttles for everyone. In theory, that will reduce the amount of traffic in and out of the airport, but it's not due to open until 2006 and it's not going to help the security checkpoint problem. In the meantime, expect some construction delays.

If you want to avoid the crowded airport, your only other choice is driving, since there is currently no passenger train service in and out of Las Vegas.

Of course, driving isn't a heck of a lot easier, especially if you're coming from Southern California. A massive widening project for the always-packed Interstate 15 has been under way for years and it may do some good when completed in 2006. For now, it's just creating more of a mess. Lane closures, lack of highway shoulders and people driving too fast for conditions have turned the stretch of roadway between Victorville, Calif., and the Nevada state line into a nightmare of traffic and tragedy. Just last weekend, several people were killed just outside of Barstow, Calif., when their cars were smashed between two speeding semi-trailer trucks and burst into flames. Traffic was backed up at one point for nearly 30 miles.

Until the freeways are widened and the airport is streamlined there are some things that you can and should do to make sure the travel portion of your trip to Vegas doesn't ruin your entire trip.

Budget more time for departures. It used to be that you could arrive at the airport an hour before your flight and still make it on time. Not anymore. Give it two hours on a normal day and even longer on a busy weekend.
Pack light. If you can get away with not checking any bags at all, you'll save time.
Anticipate security concerns. Don't walk up to the security screening with a straight razor in your toiletry bag and be surprised when the guards make you take it out. Get rid of everything that could be a problem and you'll make it through faster.
If you're driving, take your time. Vegas will still be there when you arrive, even if it is an hour or two later than you had hoped.

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