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| - I've been into and out of airports all over the world (literally). Most weren't worth a comment, some were amazing and others were terrifying. Overall, I have to say Las Vegas gets it right with McCarran. It's not a surprise, nor should it be. Vegas' life blood is tourism and the airport can make or break just how healthy we really are. With Terminal 3 open now, the airport seems less congested. For that matter, T3 is a quiet and open experience when compared to the longstanding Terminal 1. Both terminals have ample parking: covered short-term and long-term, economy, and now the addition of a cell phone lot for those times you need to wait. No more orbiting the airport over and over!
For visitors to Vegas: your auditory and visual experience beings at the airport. After you weave your way through your arrival terminal and enter the baggage claim area in T1, you're awash in the sights and sounds of fabulous Las Vegas with slot machines and big screens all around presenting you with continuous advertisements for all the shows you might want to see. Wade in and enjoy it, then catch your shuttle, limo, cab or Uber to your hotel and enjoy. If you're landing and retrieving your luggage in Terminal 3, it's a much more traditional (non Vegas) experience, but don't worry, I'm sure this'll change as T3 matures. Welcome to Vegas and thank you for being here instead of somewhere else!
Final thought: the airport is amazingly quiet if you're making an early morning departure. I've done this for most of my trips and love that there's rarely a line at the airlines for check-in, and at the security checkpoint. When there is, it's hardly worth mentioning. On a number of occasions I've checked my bags and walked through security without waiting at all, then had plenty of time to sit with a coffee and wait for my flight. If you're departure gate is oriented the right way, you'll also get to enjoy a fantastic view of the city before and during sunrise. Unless you just can't stand early morning departures, consider taking advantage of this--pretty amazing for such busy airport!
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