McCarran International Airport (LAS) – #9 Busiest Airport in US

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Overview

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada is the ninth busiest airport in the United States. In 2010, just under 19 million passengers boarded flights at McCarran International. Situated about five miles south of the business district of Las Vegas, McCarran is owned by Clark County, and operated by Clark County Department of Aviation, though it is financially self-sufficient.

LAS is a hub for Great Lakes Airlines, and a focus city and largest operations base for Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines. McCarran International sees more of Southwest’s passengers than any other airport in the country. LAS is also a crew and maintenance base for Spirit Airlines.

McCarran International and its four runways sit on 2800 acres of land in the Nevada desert. The airport has just two terminals. A third terminal is being constructed and will open in June 2012, but when it does, terminal 2 will close. Currently, Terminal 1 handles most flights with its 96 gates and 4 concourses. Terminal 2 is the international terminal, which also handles chartered flights. When it opens, Terminal 3 will take over international flights and charters.

Airport Services

Wi-Fi and Technology: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Airport SpeedCheck, an off-site baggage check service is available online to passengers so they can skip the lines at the airport.

Shopping and Dining: Duty-free shops in the international terminal offer tax free deals to international travelers, and local shops like a southwestern style jewelry store and gift shops give travelers a chance to pick up some souvenirs. Many chain restaurants and bars have locations inside McCarran Airport, offering travelers a quick bite to eat or a drink to pass the time during a layover (or to finish off a great Vegas weekend).

Extras: Since it is the Las Vegas airport, there are about 1,234 slot machines located throughout the airport in both terminals, giving travelers one last chance to strike it rich before they leave.

An airport art gallery exhibits glass and concrete sculptures, as well as a variety of murals and paintings for travelers to enjoy during their time at McCarran Airport.

Ground Transportation

McCarran International Airport People Movers connect Terminal 1’s C and D concourses with the check-in and baggage claim areas, for the convenience of travelers. An addition to this People Mover is currently under construction, which will transport passengers from Terminal 3 to concourse D of Terminal 1.

A nearby Rent-A-Car Center houses ten rental car companies that serve the airports. Shuttles depart the airport every five minutes to take passengers to the rental car company offices. Taxis, limos, and shuttles also offer service from McCarran Airport.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada has three bus lines that service the airport, including one express bus. Also in consideration is the extension of the Las Vegas Monorail all the way to the airport, but no official plans are in place at this time.