McCarran spreads out baggage arrivals to promote social distancing

McCarran International Airport has changed its baggage claim operations to enhance social distancing protocols.

Southwest Airlines, which has remained the busiest carrier at the airport even during the pandemic, uses carousels 1 and 2. As a result, these carousels had passengers and families crowded around them while other parts of the baggage claim area appeared unused.

Southwest accounted for 229,622 (59 percent) of McCarran’s 391,712 passengers in May.

Jennifer Lindgren reached out to the Las Vegas Review-Journal to air her concerns after visiting McCarran to pick up her father in late June.

“There were only a few flights arriving, yet they were all using the same baggage claim carousel,” Lindgren said. “This meant everyone from multiple flights crowded around a single baggage claim belt, while all of the others went unused and were empty. What kind of social distancing is that?”

After being alerted to travelers’ concerns, McCarran announced it was altering baggage claim operations.

“Changes have been made to the bag handling system that assigns flights to carousels in order to achieve a more even distribution,” said Joe Rajchel, McCarran spokesman. “Each carousel will now have at least one flight assigned to it before any additional are added, which will help us reduce crowds around the carousels and promote social distancing.”

The latest step to enhance safety at McCarran comes as the airport has ramped up cleaning and sanitation, emphasized social distancing, required masks for all travelers and employees, and rolled out a safety campaign to promote increased safety efforts.

Rajchel noted that although flight schedules are still at a reduced rate, they are increasing from record lows seen during the pandemic and instances in which a baggage carousel has multiple flights can be expected.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.