Airport Challenge Our Southwestern Airlines pilot let his passengers know it was a sweltering 115 degrees in the Nevada desert when we landed in Las Vegas. Fortunately, when I deplaned I did not discover how hot that extreme number registers since no outside air was able to get to me as I walked from the jetway into McCarran International Airport.   What I did discover was how far away I was from baggage claim.   I walked and walked and walked in an effort to retrieve my luggage. Moving sidewalks were in place in terminal C but they weren't working because of ongoing construction. To make matters worse, I was carrying a heavy handbag, its contents including a full bottle of spring water.   As it turned out, my extra efforts did not go unrewarded.   Once I arrived at the taxi line I was very happy I had the right stuff to quench my thirst, which I did often in the 45 minutes I waited for a cab. The queue was a labyrinth, stretching across at least six long tiers that I traipsed along with hundreds of other weary travelers.   We were all hot and bothered as we made our way to the goal line, even more so because there was no protection from the blazing sun. I mentioned to the guy walking next to me that it would sure be nice if the airport could at least supply a sprinkling system for us while we waited in that horrendous heat. Many people left before they were anywhere near the front of the line.   I hung in there, extremely grateful when I reached my position number 14, curbside. Another few minutes passed before enough cabs showed up at the airport to get to my outpost by which point I thought I was going to pass out.   When the taxi driver finally got out to help me with my luggage I felt like hugging him but I hung back because I was spritzing sweat.   From there on in until we reached our destination at Lake Las Vegas, 17 miles beyond the famous Strip, I was in heaven. The air-conditioning was cold and healing and the conversation was really stimulating.   My driver was a veteran of Las Vegas and up on every aspect of his growing city. He told me about the numerous developments that are afoot there as well as stats on how rapidly Las Vegas's population had grown into what turned out to be unforeseen proportions—hence the reason for such a long taxi line at the airport due to a limited number of cabs.   I was happy right up until the journey ended. Then my heart sank. The meter read $53, which meant that with a well deserved tip, I needed to shell out around 60 smackers.   Not good.   On all levels, I knew my next trip from that particular airport would need to be better planned.   So, before I went to Las Vegas later in the month, I e-mailed the hotel for a recommendation. The powers that be at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas were quick to respond, suggesting I get in touch with a topnotch transportation company called Alan Waxler Group (AWG) Charter Services to book a town car. The cost? Exactly $82.50, a great price for total luxury and no lines.   It turned out my driver was a beauty named Suzette who could not have been more helpful.  She met me at baggage claim and insisted on taking care of all my luggage. She whisked me to my car where she provided me with a cold towel and some even colder bottled water for the journey. She also offered up some hard candies to keep my blood sugar going.   Suzette, a former champion bodybuilder, was completely engaging. We talked incessantly during the half-hour trip. Among other things, I learned a lot about the company for which she now works. I found out how much AWG can do to enhance a visit to Las Vegas since the entrepreneurial, 8-year-old firm is in the business of transfer, destination and charter services as well as corporate events and local tours.   I discovered even more about AWG during my stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas as the topnotch company provides a swank shuttle service for all to get around the desert resort community as well as to and from the Las Vegas Strip. Transportation is via luxury motorcoach and no fee is charged no matter how many times you hop on or off.   I also noticed other AWG vehicles on-site, catering to the needs of large groups with amazing ease, something I'm sure none of those harried convention delegates ever expected in a million years. I never saw so many travelers smiling at the same time as they went from luxury hotel to their luxury transfer without a single hitch.   Ditto for me and my trip back to the airport after a successful business trip. Suzette was again on hand so we caught up since last we met, gabbing and gossiping like two old friends. The trip was such a delight that this time I did hug my driver, comforted by the knowledge that I would not swap a single spit of sweat when I did so.   For further information on AWG Charter Services, go online to awgcharterservices.com or call 702-792-8000.

I admit I like to be pampered but I have never been pampered like I was pampered last year in Las Vegas.