Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers

  Hi everyone, welcome to Life in Desert Paradise, the blog where I share my experiences and insights living in the fabulous city of Las Vegas. Today, I want to talk to you about something that you might not think of as very exciting, but trust me, it is: The airport.

Yes, you heard me right. The airport.

Not just any airport, but the Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, or LAS for short. You might be wondering why I want to talk about an airport, when there are so many other things to do and see in Vegas. Well, let me tell you, LAS is not your ordinary airport. It’s a gateway to the world, a hub of innovation, and a reflection of the city’s history and culture.

 LAS is the main airport for the Las Vegas Valley, a metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Nevada, about 5 miles south of Downtown Las Vegas. It’s named after U.S. Senator Harry Reid, who represented Nevada in the Senate from 1987 to 2017. Before 2021, it was called McCarran International Airport, after U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, who represented Nevada from 1933 to 1954.

I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport, such as:

• When did Las Vegas airport change its name?
• Why did Las Vegas change its name?
• Does Las Vegas airport have clear?
• Where is the rideshare pick up for passengers?
• How far is the strip from the Las Vegas airport?

Let’s get started!

When did Las Vegas airport change its name?

Las Vegas airport changed its name on December 14, 2021, from McCarran International Airport to Harry Reid International Airport. The name change was approved by the Clark County Board of Commissioners in February 2021, following a campaign by local leaders and activists to honor former U.S. Senator Harry Reid, who served Nevada for decades and was instrumental in promoting tourism, renewable energy, and public lands in the state. The name changes also aimed to remove the legacy of former U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, who was accused of being a racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic politician.

Why did Las Vegas change its name?

Las Vegas changed its name to Harry Reid International Airport for several reasons. First, it was a way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of Harry Reid, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected politicians in Nevada’s history. Reid was the longest-serving senator from Nevada (1987-2017), and the Senate majority leader from 2007 to 2015. He played a key role in advancing legislation on health care, immigration, climate change, gun control, and civil rights. He also helped secure federal funding for various projects and programs in Nevada, such as the expansion of the airport, the development of clean energy sources, and the protection of public lands.

Second, it was a way of distancing and disassociating from the controversial figure of Pat McCarran, who was the namesake of the airport since 1948. McCarran was a senator from Nevada from 1933 to 1954, and a prominent advocate of aviation and national security. However, he was also known for his support of discriminatory and oppressive policies against immigrants, Jews, African Americans, and communists. He sponsored laws that restricted immigration quotas based on national origin and race, authorized the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and created loyalty boards to investigate federal employees for subversive activities. Many critics argued that McCarran’s name did not reflect the values and diversity of Las Vegas and Nevada.

Does Las Vegas airport have clear?

Yes, Las Vegas airport has clear. Clear is a service that allows travelers to skip the regular security lines and use a dedicated clear lane, where they will undergo a biometric scan and have their IDs verified. This process can save travelers time and reduce stress during the airport experience. Clear is available at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport. You can enroll online or at the airport for a monthly or annual fee. You can also use clear at other locations such as stadiums, arenas, and concert venues.

Where is the rideshare pick up for passengers?

The rideshare pick up for passengers is located in the parking garages at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport. You can use apps like Uber or Lyft to arrange for a ride from the airport to your destination. You will need to follow signs that say “TNC / Rideshares” or “Ground Transportation” to find the designated pick-up areas. At Terminal 1, the pick-up area is on Level 2M of the parking garage. At Terminal 3, the pick-up area is on the Valet Level (V) of the parking garage.

How far is the strip from the Las Vegas airport?

The strip is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Harry Reid International Airport. The strip is the main boulevard where most of the famous hotels, casinos, resorts, and attractions are located in Las Vegas. Depending on traffic conditions and your mode of transportation, it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to get from the airport to the strip. You can choose from various options such as shuttles, taxis, limos, buses, or rideshares to get to your hotel or destination on the strip.

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new about Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more updates on Life in Desert Paradise. Thanks for reading and have a great day!