New lots in different locations could prompt confusion among unprepared travelers; reduce the holiday hassles at McCarran by leaving your car at home.

Recent construction near McCarran International Airport has produced some big changes that will affect drivers hoping to park at the nations sixth-busiest airport this holiday season.

From the relocated Russell Road to the presence of new overflow parking lots, McCarran is not the same airport holiday travelers visited a year ago. To avoid confusion and potential congestion, airport leaders are again urging travelers to Get a Ride to McCarran during the busy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years travel periods.

Were concerned that there will not be enough parking available at McCarran during this peak period, said Randall H. Walker, director of the Clark County Department of Aviation. Weve added three new lots with nearly 7,000 spaces that were not here a year ago. But much-needed airport construction has forced us to close nearly 6,300 spaces used for holiday parking last year. As airport traffic rises and more locals fly, its more important than ever to leave your car home and get a ride with a friend or relative whenever possible.

McCarran passenger traffic is up nearly 5 percent compared with last years record-setting pace. Looking ahead, the Department of Aviation projects close to 800,000 travelers will pass through McCarran from Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Nov. 26, up nearly 7 percent from the same period a year ago.

McCarrans Long Term garage, including Valet, is expected to fill quickly and remain closed during most of the Thanksgiving weekend. Approximately 3,000 spaces will be offered in the Economy Lot, which is accessible off of Flight Path Avenue (old Russell Road). When the garage and Economy Lot are filled, drivers will then be directed to the new Green Overflow Lot, which can be accessed off of Paradise Road by turning west at the Kitty Hawk Way traffic signal. Should the Green Lot fill, drivers will next be sent to the Red Overflow Lot north of Tropicana Avenue, and then the Blue Overflow Lot south of Tropicana as needed.

Shuttles will run continuously between Overflow parking areas and the airports terminals. Travelers using these lots should set aside at least 30 additional minutes to travel to or from the airport. Domestic travelers are asked to arrive at McCarran approximately two hours before their scheduled departure time.

Short Term parking and the passenger pick-up curb will also be busy. Before coming to the airport to pick someone up, please check their flight status by visiting www.mccarran.com or calling 261-4636. Travelers with personal digital assistants or smart phones can access real-time flight information at www.flymccarran.com.

For 24-hour parking information, including updates on which lots are in use, call (702) 261-5122.