This is the busiest week of the year for Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

"It's a huge week, the biggest week of the year for us," said airport spokesman Brian Kulpin.   "We have 20,000 people flying in, we think 20,000 flying out, but they could wander the Playa for awhile."

The airport has set up a booth just for Burners.

"Air Playa Info is run by Burners," Kulpin said. "If you need a ride, if there's someplace you need to shop, they'll direct you. There's a message board for people to write on and it's part of that welcome we provide that helps people get through our airport in the best way possible."

Many of the travelers have been here before.

"It feels like welcome home," said Kai, who lives in San Diego.  "I had a conference in DC, so I flew from there into Vegas.  I've been traveling the whole weekend but it's part of the journey."

It's been smooth sailing for most of the passengers coming into the airport.

"Really smooth sailing," said Lindsay Guttman from Santa Monica. I woke up at 3:30 a.m., had an early flight to Oakland, met some fellow burners on the plane and we compared braids and fashion sense. Now we're having something to eat before we head out to the desert."

A Burner Express bus line operates out of the airport. On Sunday, a car crash closed both lanes of highway heading out to the Black Rock Desert.

"Last night we had a big challenge," Kulpin said. "We had a fatal crash on the two-lane road heading out to the Playa and it backed things up big time. We had maybe a thousand people who couldn't get out there so we jumped into action with the RSCVA. We got special hotel rates for the Burners and I think there were some parties going on at the hotels last night! But we got all those people out and on their way before 7 a.m. this morning, so really well done."

Buses showed up early to make sure everyone can get to the Playa.

"I had an amazing time last year; I can't wait to make new friends and have new experiences, check out art, music and some self growth," Guttman said.

Burning man runs through September 2nd.

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