Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS) Flights & Information

Kaa-ching and ding-ding-ding! These are the sounds you hear once you step into the terminals of Las Vegas MacCarran Airport (LAS). Recently renamed Harry Reid International Airport, its slot machines remain an infamous auditory fixture around the departure gates as they try to clench those last dollar bills from your wallet before take off. Luckily, Sin City’s airport has more than just casino games to capture your attention.

Its terminals (including a new one designed to boost international capacity) have quite the variety of things to see, eat and do before and even after your flight. This airport is always adding new features to keep visitors busy once they pass security. Here’s how you can make the most of a visit to LAS.

Terminals as entertaining as The Strip

Las Vegas’ airport has plenty of competition when it comes to dining and entertainment. But, its two terminals try their best to keep you busy and engaged while you wait for your flight.

There are a lot of security lanes at each terminal, and TSA PreCheck and CLEAR expedited lanes are also an option. Most interesting to me is the trial of self-service TSA screening, which took place at LAS.

The way it works is that passengers follow instructions from a video monitor directing them to empty pockets and remove necessary items from their carry-on before passing through x-ray scanners. It is very simple, and I have used it many times.

There is little interaction with a TSA agent, but I noticed that infrequent fliers still seemed confused when using this do-it-yourself lane. While the trial is short-term, it is exciting to see this as a potential option that might expand elsewhere.

Terminal 1

This is the biggest of the terminals at the airport and is divided into various concourses. Travelers check in at the main terminal building and then take a train to these interconnected concourses. Long escalators bring them from the train station to the bright and airy concourse areas.

If you have not tired of gaming, the airport has more than 1,400 slot and video poker machines throughout its terminals. The familiar sound is music to the ears of winners and a thorn in the side of those that lost significant cash during their visit (usually, that’s me).

Lest you think that these machines are not very rewarding, you are wrong. I regularly see people win small to medium-sized amounts. There are even million-dollar slot machines at the airport that have paid out twice within the same year.

Las Vegas is one of only two airports in the country to have slot machines in the terminal. The other? Reno-Tahoe International Airport. What you won’t find are table games or free drinks for anyone using the slot machines like you would in one of the city’s larger casinos to encourage you to keep playing.

When it comes to dining, most of what you will find here is the usual chain link fare (Pei Wei, Shake Shack, Moe’s Southwest Grill). I really love the customizable burrito bowls at 360° Gourmet Burritos though.

What I like most about Terminal 1 is that it is home to the first American Express Centurion Lounge, which opened in 2013. Since then, the network of premium lounges for eligible cardholders has grown substantially.

This lounge has a tasty buffet, impressive bar selection with craft cocktails and plenty of space to work and relax. It is also one of the only airside places in the terminal where travelers can take a shower.

While the United Club has great views of passing planes, Priority Pass cardholders are directed to The Club LAS. If you ask me, it is hardly worth it as the space is cramped with limited snacks. It does have a shower though if you cannot access the Centurion Lounge.

Terminal 3

This is the newly built terminal for select domestic carriers and international flight departures and arrivals. Among the airlines here are British Airways, Condor, KLM and Virgin Atlantic among others. With widebody aircraft parked at the gates, the terminal can quickly fill up during the afternoon rush.

There is only one lounge here, The Club LAS, and it can get crowded. In the late afternoon, I have had to stand in a corner to eat because there was no place to sit. That’s hardly relaxing. The food is only average, and the bar is busy since Priority Pass cardholders have access.

The terminal has duty-free outlets that cater to fliers leaving the country. For those that want their last American chain restaurant fix, there are plenty of them from California Pizza Kitchen to Chili’s. For something more substantial, Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery is the nicest restaurant in the terminal.

How to get to and from LAS

For years, taxis, shuttle companies and luxury transfers had a stranglehold on airport transportation. Then, rideshare companies got in on the action to help bring down the cost of getting to LAS. Unfortunately, they pick up riders in the parking garage, which can be a long, hot walk in summer.

Because of this distant pickup spot, be sure to wait to request your ride until you get closer to the parking garage. It can still take a few minutes, and if your phone shows you at the airport, it will automatically have you select which terminal parking garage is your destination for pickup.

While there has always been a public bus option from The Strip, dragging luggage in the (often) hot weather can be a pain. If you are traveling light, it is possible to walk from The Strip to the airport if the weather is cool enough.

Transiting Las Vegas

Las Vegas is usually the origin or destination for travelers rather than a connecting hub. But, if you do find yourself with a long layover, it is easy to catch a ride over to one of the fancy hotels on The Strip for a gourmet meal or some retail therapy before taking off again.

If you have the whole day to wait for your flight, consider renting a car and heading southeast to visit the Hoover Dam. The drive to this popular tourist site takes just over a half hour. You can take a guided tour, visit the power plant and even kayak in the dam itself.

Many flights from Las Vegas leave late at night (those dreaded red eye flights). If you have to check out of your hotel midday, this is an entertaining way to spend the afternoon before checking in for your flight.

Even if you do not have time, you are likely to catch a glimpse of it from a window seat either on approach or right after departure from Las Vegas.

Get a workout at the airport

The airport developed a program called Fly Fit!, which it says has been endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Both before and after security, floor markings inside the terminals lead visitors on a walking path giving markers to indicate how far they have walked. There are paths in each terminal.

If you need something more strenuous, Terminal 1’s ZEROlevel Fitness Center near the baggage claim area sells day passes as well as local memberships to its modern gym facilities. If you choose to visit, there are also relaxation areas and a place to shower before checking in for your flight. Group fitness classes and personal trainers are also an option.

Another option if you have to check out early, but your flight is not until later is to check out another hotel on The Strip. Many properties sell day passes to their spa and health club. You can check your bag with the front desk and relax, work out or swim in the pool until your flight.

Aviation fans at LAS

If you are staying in a room facing the airport at places like Mandalay Bay, MGM or Circus Circus, chances are you can watch the runway action from a high-floor window.

For those that miss it, the airport is filled with memorabilia and photographs from the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum that share the history of aviation in the state.

Among the items on display is the 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible from the founder of Alamo Airways and the airport itself. His car was often seen driving around the apron helping to service departing aircraft.

Look for most of these avgeek spots in Terminal 3 one level above baggage claim. There are a few more exhibits available to see in Terminal 1, too.