LAS
Eight check-ins at McCarran International Airport and I haven't reviewed this place yet... hmm, well, I like that the airport is conveniently located near the Strip, only 1 mile. It is the primary commercial airport serving the Las Vegas Valley. Passengers who fly into the city at night are greeted by a parade of lights and a fabulous view of Las Vegas. Once you see the flashy lights below as your plane begins to descend you know you're in Las Vegas and if you're just visiting this would be the start of your Vegas adventure. For the record we've only travelled here during weekends so the airport is busy. As soon as we are able to deplane we head straight to the baggage claim area. It is quite a long walk but those moving walkway (flat escalators) help. The baggage claim area is huge with plenty of carousels to claim your bags. Make sure you're at the correct carousel when waiting for your luggage(s) to arrive. This place takes you right out to the shuttle area that will take you to the rental car center (if you are renting a car for the weekend).
While I have a great time each visit to Vegas it's going home that sucks. I realize that TSA has a job to do to for all of our safety but I've had my share of pat downs going through security checks here. Now I don't travel much by plane but our last travel was the second time I got patted down in this airport. Ugh! It was a 3-digit weather weekend, I was wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt. Maybe next time I should just go through the metal detectors naked.
One year ago we happened to leave simultaneously with Iron Maiden's plane while on their "The Book of Souls World Tour". You can gamble in the airport. Rows and rows of slot machines are available to try your luck. As a matter of fact it happened just less than a month ago where there was a winner! A California woman's $5 bet won her a $1.6 million jackpot at Las Vegas' airport. Talk about lucky!
Review #0841