Harry Reid International Airport — Local services in Paradise

I am disgusted with how my mother who requested handicapped assistance because she can barely walk around due to all the pain she suffering was treated at southwest at Las Vegas Harry Reid airport. Our flight to St. Louis from Vegas and we already had a five hour flight to Maui from Hawaii that morning. My mother was trying to get a understanding why the airplane attendant told her that they are not boarding for our plane that was delayed three hours by the way at the current moment, and when she wheeled away to the selection we were at , he called out for everyone to start boarding and lining up. And when she asked him why say we aren’t boarding to start boarding he blatantly ignored her, she asked again which turned to him becoming highly aggravated with my mother and telling her to shut up. Which then my mother felt disrespected so she voiced her opinion, and he proceeded to become very rude wit her. He threatened to kick her off the plane and she said that’s perfectly fine because of the way he was so rude to her. It was six of us total we had kids as well. He told me and my sister we would be kicked off the plane too if we didn’t leave my mother to sit in a airport alone. He even threatened to call his boss to have our flights cancel n the kids fly alone without a adult.He also refused to give his name as well he called his supervisor to come down to a escort my mother who was in a wheelchair out-of-the-way so she cannot get on the plane that was delayed three hours for us to go home after a five hour flight from Maui, Hawaii. He then told his supervisor a fabricated story of how the incident happened, which resulted in me asking him to please just allow us to get on the plane. We apologize for anything that could’ve caused him to be offended and that we please just wanna go home because she is handicap and has been at the airport now for six hours and is in extreme pain. He’s then continue to tell a more of a fabricated story ignoring us to talk with the supervisor told me that it’s up to my supervisor to allow her on the plane. I begged the supervisor because my mom again is crippled and she cannot sit in the airport for another eight hours before she gets to a plane. That is a three hour flight back home. They both were very rude to me and denied my mother access on the plane, saying that she was a threat to society mind you my mother is in a wheelchair and can barely move. I do not understand how she could be a threat. The supervisor was very rude and barely let us tell our side of the story cutting us off saying she can’t allow us on the plane. So my mother was told that she has to stay back handicap and that we would have to get on the plane and leave her there for another eight hours to sit at airport where she was told she cannot sleep or sit in the area for that time she cannot walk so they were telling her that she would have to move to a different area by herself with no assistance. I then begged and even cried for them to please let us on the plane she can’t no he left alone like this she also 78 years old. and they told me no with no remorse even threated to cancel her flight all together and including mine if I didn’t get on the plane to leave my mother. I fought for them to let me stay and rebook our plane which would be 5:35 AM and it is now 10 PM and we’ve been at the airport since 4 PM. I begged the supervisor and she refused to give me their names even after I asked repeatedly . They refuse. They also told us that we cannot sleep at the airport and then we cannot sit in this waiting room so we were forced to leave because my mother was in excruciating pain for sitting all those hours and so we were forced to leave and find a hotel for a few hours And we also had to find food because all the shops were closing. I am beyond disgusted and how we were treated, I’m beyond disgusted in how humanity was not shown this woman literally is handicap bound and was told to sit somewhere in the airport for over more hours after we apologize and begged to be put...

Flying into or out of Las Vegas is always an event, and the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is a gateway that perfectly encapsulates the city's unique energy. It’s an airport that promises a taste of the city’s eccentricities and, for the most part, delivers. But the traveler's experience is a mix of highs and lows, a bit like a roll of the dice.

Security and Service: A Test of Patience

The journey began with an all-too-common airport ordeal: a bag flagged for rescreening. This is a standard procedure, but the execution can make all the difference. In this case, the process was more frustrating than efficient. The TSA agent on duty seemed inexperienced, leading to a significant delay. The bag sat idle for a full twenty minutes, a lifetime in the fast-paced world of air travel. It was only after a persistent passenger intervention, which included engaging with a supervisor, that a simple question about a water bottle was finally asked, resolving the issue in seconds. It’s a classic example of a system that works in theory but falters in practice due to a lack of communication and proactive service. While security protocols are non-negotiable, a little transparency and passenger awareness could go a long way in turning a frustrating delay into a minor inconvenience.

Cleanliness and Amenities: Surpassing Expectations

For an airport that handles millions of travelers annually, the cleanliness of LAS is genuinely impressive. The terminals are well maintained, and the high-traffic seating areas are notably tidy. The bathrooms, often a barometer for an establishment's upkeep, are surprisingly clean and well-stocked. This dedication to cleanliness speaks volumes about the airport's management and provides a welcome sense of comfort for weary travelers.

However, a few essential amenities fell short. The power outlets, a lifeline for modern travelers, were largely out of commission. This is a significant drawback in an age where devices need constant charging, especially during long layovers or delays. Similarly, the Wi-Fi service was a letdown, proving to be weak and spotty, making it difficult to work or stream content. The seats, despite the overall cleanliness of the terminal, were not as well kept and could use a deeper cleaning.

The Vegas Verdict

Despite a few key shortcomings, particularly with security communication and spotty amenities, the Harry Reid International Airport is a surprisingly well-oiled machine. It manages to capture the essence of Las Vegas with its unique offerings, including the opportunity to gamble and a solid selection of food options that go beyond typical airport fare. The commitment to keeping the terminals clean and presentable is commendable and sets a positive tone for the entire experience. It's an airport that gets the job done and offers a bit of flair in the process.

Would I recommend it? For a traveler seeking a functional, relatively clean, and entertaining airport experience, LAS is a solid choice. It's not a luxury hub by any means, but its unique blend of practicality and Vegas-style fun makes it a memorable part of the journey. Just be sure to charge your devices beforehand and perhaps bring a physical book, just in case the Wi-Fi...

A bustling airport that blends iconic Vegas charm with solid amenities, though a few operational quirks temper the experience.

What Works Well

Prime location & scale: Situated just 5 miles from the Strip, LAS is incredibly convenient for travelers heading straight into or out of the city. It’s one of the world's busiest airports, handling over 58 million passengers in 2024 alone .

Slot machine flair: True to Las Vegas spirit, the airport features slot machines right in the terminals—a unique touch you won’t find at most airports . Many travelers enjoy the novelty of playing slots while waiting between flights.

Efficient layout & transport: The airport has three terminals (Terminals 1 and 3 plus Concourse D), all connected via a modern automated people mover system—which makes navigating between gates straightforward .

Impressively modern infrastructure: In addition to iconic features, the airport led early adoption of RFID baggage scanning and self-service kiosk check-ins, showcasing solid tech integration .

Strong dining variety: Whether you’re looking for local flavors or familiar chains, Terminal 1 offers options like Shake Shack, Siegel’s Bagelmania, José Cuervo Tequileria, and the Capital One Lounge with local treats and cocktails .

Areas That Could Improve

Crowding & layout challenges: Some travelers describe the airport as feeling cramped or overcrowded at key times or locations, despite its scale .

Security friction: Feedback suggests that TSA checkpoints can feel cumbersome. Still, there’s hope on the horizon—self-service TSA PreCheck scanning kiosks are being piloted to improve efficiency .

Safety complexity in airspace: A recent FAA investigation highlighted past concerns about complicated helicopter operations around the airport, though procedural updates have since reduced safety alerts by about 30% .

Mixed traveler sentiment: Ratings vary—some praise the staff and facilities, while others point to issues like unresponsive kiosks or occasional poor customer service .

Summary Table

Aspect Highlights

Location Just 5 miles from the Strip—super convenient Ambience Fun, Vegas-themed slots and lively terminal vibe Navigation Easy via automated people movers between terminals Dining Excellent variety—from local gems to classic chains Efficiency Innovative tech, but TSA areas could be smoother Safety Some airspace safety issues improved, but noted by FAA Overall Vibe Functional, modern, and distinctly “Las Vegas”

Final Thoughts

Harry Reid International Airport delivers a signature Vegas travel experience—grounded in functionality, novelty, and variety. Its proximity to major destinations, seamless transport systems, and engaging amenities make it a strong choice for both domestic and international travelers. Some service and congestion hiccups exist, but the airport continues evolving—especially through technology upgrades and safety...