Reno, Nevada Weekend by Wheelchair

The pros and cons of the Reno Airport are the fact that it is small. As a pro, it is a shorter distance from the gates to baggage claim and ground transportation than many airports and likewise a shorter distance from ticketing to security to the gates. With fewer flights and smaller crowds, it is easier to navigate. The staff is ample and quite helpful. Security lines are shorter than in major airports. As is typical of airports, hallways are wide and elevators are ample enough. Wheelchair porters are readily available to assist you.

However, it also brings in smaller flights on smaller planes. Some flights require taking stairs to get onto the plane. The elevator to the tarmac was restricted and required an escort, which was readily provided. However, the time it took to get down to the tarmac all but negated the pre-board benefits. Since I can ambulate short distances, I was able to board the plane without additional assistance, checking my walker on a cart right before the steps to the plane. Those truly confined to a wheelchair had to be lifted into the plane through another entrance (we couldn’t see that whole process with another passenger).