A guide to Las Vegas Airport


Las Vegas is one of the prime convention destinations in the U.S., as well as a gaming and entertainment mecca, so it’s no surprise that 50 million passengers pass through its airport each year.

The entrance to Las Vegas Airport. Image credit: yoko_ken_chan/iStock
The entrance to Las Vegas Airport. Image credit: yoko_ken_chan/iStock

Although most people think of the airport as Las Vegas Airport, and its International Air Transport Association code is indeed LAS, this airport is officially known as McCarran International Airport. The airport was named after Patrick McCarran, who served as one of Nevada’s U.S. Senators from 1933 to 1954 and was instrumental in developing aviation in Nevada and Las Vegas.

Whether you’re traveling for business or for fun, Las Vegas is ready to show you a good time. As you connect through Las Vegas McCarran Airport, understanding what’s available can make your travel or flight delay flow more smoothly. Take a look at this helpful airport map to find your way around, and keep reading for a guide on how to find what you’re looking for at the airport.

Airlines flying through Las Vegas Airport

Las Vegas Airport has two terminals (Terminals 1 and 3). Terminal 1 features four concourses, two of which are accessed by the airport’s tram system. While Terminal 3 handles all the airport’s international travel, your domestic flight may operate out of either terminal. Take a look at this list to find out where to catch your flight.

Terminal 1

  • Allegiant Air (A gates)
  • Southwest (B and C gates)
  • Spirit (C gates)

Terminal 2

D Gates

  • Air Canada
  • American Airlines
  • Contour Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • KLM
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Thomas Cook Airlines
  • United Airlines

E Gates

  • AeroMexico
  • Alaska Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Condor
  • Copa Airlines
  • El Al Israel Airlines
  • Edelweiss / SWISS
  • Eurowings
  • Hainan Airlines
  • InterJet
  • JetBlue
  • Korean Air
  • OAI
  • Swoop
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Viva Aerobus
  • Volaris
  • WestJet

Las Vegas Airport lounges – peace and quiet

Slipping into an airport lounge can give you a little respite from the noise of the slot machines that line the corridors at McCarran Airport. All of the airport lounges at this Las Vegas Airport are located in the D concourse of Terminal 3.

American Express Centurion Lounge

This lounge welcomes American Express Platinum cardholders and Centurion members holding same-day tickets. Here you can freshen up in a shower suite or use the business center to get a little work done. The menu is designed by a James Beard-nominated chef and you can enjoy a crafted cocktail created by a top mixologist.

The Club at LAS

This private lounge, part of The Club network of lounges, is available to Diners Club cardholders, Priority Pass members, and passengers on Hawaiian Airlines. Other passengers can also purchase day passes for lounge use. Here, you’ll find prepackaged snacks and a self-serve bar with a fairly extensive selection of liquor. A single computer and printer are available as well.

United Club

This airport lounge, the only one at McCarran Airport that’s linked to a specific airline, is spacious, with an airy feel and lots of natural light. A hot and cold breakfast buffet makes way for finger food and a soup buffet at lunchtime. Complimentary wine and beer are also available, or you can upgrade to purchased drinks if you prefer. A printer and fax machine are available, as are plenty of power outlets, and there’s a spot where you can stow your luggage.

Things to do at Las Vegas Airport – gaming and learning

The Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum has exhibits about aviation in Nevada placed throughout the airport, notably near baggage claim in Terminal 1 and along the moving walkway leading to the C gates. Look up to see the Cessna 172 that set the world record for endurance for staying aloft, flying for more than 64 days without touching the ground — a record that’s stood steady since 1959.

Because McCarran International Airport is a Nevada airport, don’t be surprised to see slot machines lining most of the walkways in and around the gates. While airport slot machines are notoriously tight, you’ll still hear the delighted cheers of people experiencing a big payday throughout the airport. Remember, just as in a casino, you must be 21 years old to gamble in Las Vegas, even at the airport.

Traffic on the Strip near Las Vegas Airport can turn into a parking lot at certain times of day, so being able to complete the last leg of your journey from the airport to your hotel (or back again) with a sense of serenity can be just what you need. Book a reliable Blacklane car service to start your time in Vegas with comfort and style.

Can't make it into Las Vegas? There are plenty of things to do at the airport. Image credit: LPETTET/iStock
Can’t make it into Las Vegas? There are plenty of things to do at the airport. Image credit: LPETTET/iStock

Hotels near Las Vegas Airport – the Vegas Strip at your doorstep

Because of its location at the south end of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, you have four-star hotels within easy reach as soon as you step off your plane. Further up the Strip, you can check into The Mirage, The Bellagio, Caesars Palace and many others, or choose from these hotels that you’ll be able to spot from the window of your airplane.

Luxor Resort & Casino

Stay in the pyramid for a unique experience, or book a more conventional room in the adjacent tower. The Luxor Resort & Casino features a personalized pool experience, with cabanas available, or you can relax and rejuvenate at the Nurture salon and spa. The hotel hosts 15 restaurants, including a convenient food court and signature buffet, with in-house entertainment and a full casino featuring slot machines, blackjack, table games and more.

Tropicana Hotel

The tropical/Miami vibe of the Tropicana brings a retro feel to your Vegas experience. Tower rooms give you expansive views of the Strip and the mountains beyond, while bungalow rooms put you near the hotel’s pool and other amenities. At the pool, enjoy swim-up blackjack tables, relax surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls, or head to the Glow spa and salon for a little pampering. Eateries feature everything from casual coffees to fine steaks, and the casino floor hosts all the table games and slots you could want. During the evening, head to Legends in Concert, the longest-running tribute show on the Strip, or take in some comedy at the Laugh Factory.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

The tinted glass of the Mandalay Bay casts a beautiful copper glow over the view from your window as well as over the pool area, Mandalay Beach, which features a lazy river, a sandy beach and wave pool, and private cabanas. Pamper yourself at the Spa Mandalay, party it up at the Daylight Beach Club, or visit the amazing underwater creatures in the Shark Reef Aquarium. A total of 34 restaurants await you at the Mandalay Bay, including several featuring world-renowned chefs. Nightclubs and lounges keep you hopping at night, and the casino floor is open 24/7 for gaming fun.

On the top floors of the Mandalay Bay, you’ll find the Four Seasons Las Vegas, which enjoys a separate entrance that avoids the casino. This four-star retreat enjoys a private spa and exclusive entertainment, and every room features a breathtaking view. Guests at the Four Seasons enjoy automatic access to all the amenities of the Mandalay Bay.

The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Just a couple of miles north of McCarran Airport, you’ll find the heart of the Strip, where five-star hotels ply for your attention. With gondoliers singing Italian arias as they take guests through canals, The Venetian transports you away from everyday life. Every room is a suite at this luxurious hotel. When you come downstairs to explore, you’re greeted by more than 30 restaurants, more than 1 million square feet of shopping opportunities, and an elegant casino floor that makes you feel like you’re in Europe — plus a world-class spa to help you relax from all that fun.

Enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel. Image credit: EHStock/iStock
Enjoy a gondola ride at The Venetian Hotel. Image credit: EHStock/iStock

Las Vegas shopping at McCarran Airport – practical and fun

Shopping at McCarran tends to run to the casual and helpful. You’ll find plenty of shops to let you pick up souvenirs, T-shirts, or items useful for your travels.

Terminal 1

At the A gates, you can grab the personal necessities you need at ShopAll Pharmacy and Hudson News, or pick up a new set of headphones or those vital cables and connectors you forgot at ShopAll Sound. You’ll find a ShopAll Pharmacy and Hudson News at the B gates as well for your convenience, plus a ShopAll Glam to let you pick up the last-minute cosmetics or fragrances you need to feel put together.

You’ll find a lot more shopping choices at the C gates. Treat yourself to some intriguing jewelry, leather goods or collectibles — or choose the right gift for someone special — at Brighton Collectibles, Alex and Ani, Life Is Good, or Turquoise Dreams. Travel accessories and useful gadgets are available at Brookstone and Tech on the Go, and you can pick up some sweets for your flight at Ethel M Chocolates or Candy Cove. As a special memento or a Vegas-related marketing gift, pick up customized poker chips at Poker Face.

Terminal 3

If you’re looking for more high-end shopping, the D gates at Terminal 3 offer Brooks Brothers, Coach, Swatch and Marshall Rousso boutiques to help you upgrade your wardrobe and accessories. In keeping with the spirit of Vegas, though, you’ll still find an emphasis on the casual. Pick up flip-flops for the pool at Flip Flop Shops or sunglasses to guard against the desert’s glare at 5th & Sunset. If skin care is what you need, head to Jouvence Éternelle – Helenere, Glow on the Go, or Victoria’s Secret Beauty, or stop in at XpresSpa for a facial or other spa treatment.

Show off your love for Las Vegas sports teams by picking up gear at The Raider Image or Vegas Golden Knights shops, or prep for your time on one of the city’s many golf courses at the PGA Tour Shop. Gaming souvenirs await you at Welcome to Las Vegas and Poker Face, with fun T-shirts to commemorate your visit at Vegas Special Tees and The Blvd.

Las Vegas Airport food – quick and tasty

Scattered throughout the entire Las Vegas Airport is a wide selection of quick-serve and sit-down restaurants providing casual fare of all types, plus more than a few bars and steakhouses to help bring the feel of the Strip right to the terminal. Check out these eateries when you’re waiting for your next flight.

Terminal 1

Yes, you can grab a quick cup of Starbucks coffee, cookies from Mrs. Fields, or a Whopper at Burger King in Terminal 1, but other options here make your layover enjoyable — including quite a few bars. Take a look at the best of your Terminal 1 options.

  • The B Lounge: If you’re a Budweiser fan, you’ll find all the brewery’s major beers on tap here, as well as bar snacks.
  • Shake Shack: This NYC fave opened to great excitement at McCarran Airport recently; stop by for the chain’s famous burgers, hot dogs and “concretes” (frozen custard milkshakes).
  • Stella Artois Bar: You say you prefer this Belgian beer to Bud Light? There’s a bar just for you near the B gates.
  • Jose Cuervo Tequileria: Fine tequila (and the margaritas made with it) help lubricate your time in the airport at this eatery, which also serves an ample menu of Mexican specialties.

Terminal 3

Once you head to Terminal 3, especially at the D concourse, you’ll find many more table-service options — though if your tastes run to fast food like Carl’s Jr., Jamba Juice, or Cinnabon, this terminal also has what you need to be happy. When you’re in less of a rush, check out these tasty options for dining:

  • Ruby’s Dinette: Your favorite old-school diner is serving up classic burgers, fries, and shakes at this outpost of the popular chain.
  • Sammy’s Woodfired Pizzas and Grill and Metro Pizza: If you’re craving pizza near the D gates, you actually have two reliable pizzerias to choose from (Metro Pizza is a hometown favorite here in Vegas).
  • Las Vegas Chophouse & Brewery: You’ll find great steaks all over Vegas — including in this steakhouse that carries off a sense of elegance as it serves fine sirloins and filet mignons alongside salmon, crab cakes, and other traditional steakhouse fare.
  • PGA Tour Grill: Sit down here to enjoy the kind of meal you might expect at your local country club, surrounded by the memorabilia from your favorite sport.
  • The Village Pub: Pub grub at its best is on the menu at this casual spot, including fish and chips and fried chicken, as well as craft beers from the Vegas area.