Las Vegas - Consolidated "Layover at LAS - options/ideas/suggestions" thread

I will be making an AA midday mileage run stopover in Las Vegas midday on Thursday, May 22. I am traveling with a friend of mine that has never been to Las Vegas. I would like to take her on a quick trip to the Venetian and/or Bellegio

1. Do we have enough time?

2. What is the best mode of transportation, a taxi?

3. Any other suggestions?

thanks, Steve

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Do we have enough time?</font>
How can anyone possibly answer this question when you have provided no details regarding your flights?

Oops!! I will arrive at approximately 10:40am from LAX and will depart at 2:00 for SJC on AA.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ShvTraveler:
Oops!! I will arrive at approximately 10:40am from LAX and will depart at 2:00 for SJC on AA. </font>

Call your arrival at LAS from LAX 11:00 (assume a slight delay, we're talking about LAX after all). You'll need to be back at the airport at 1:00 (Don't push it, miss this connection, and you're going to be SOL.

Also, Is LASS the final destination? (turn-around point?) If so, you're going to have to check in again- 12:45 or so.

THen- you have to get a ride from LAS to the casinbut you've stoio you choose. One of the shuttles might would take you, but you'd have to wait on it both ways. Bad traffic for lunch hour could ruin your day.

If you're the gambling type, Go into town. But, I wouldn't expect AA to be helpful if you miss this connection, and, personally, wouldn't risk it.

Now, I'll sit back, and wait for someone to tell me I'm wrong. That you have plenty of time!

Gamble... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Took the word right out of my mouth!

Yep, go gambling...just don't push your luck (pun intended) with a tardy arrival to McCarran. The security line tends to take a while, and they do not offer a priority bypass for elite/F/C passengers.

The airport literally comprises the southernmost point of "The Strip"--so distance is not much of a factor.

Also keep in mind that taxi queues can be long at larger hotels...so don't just assume that you'll be able to hail a cab as soon as you leave any casino/resort.

you should have no trouble checking in for your departing flight when you arrive. that saves a bit of time and stress--AA cuts off checkin at the counter 45 minutes before departure in vegas. if it's a connection, even better, since you'll already be checked in. with outbound boarding pass in hand, catch a cab to your hotel of choice. i'd start thinking about a cab back to the airport 75 minutes before your outbound flight.

i had a fun checkin with AA at LAS last week--i was travelling with a friend, on separate PNR's. we apparently got to the counter *exactly* 45 minutes before departure--i made it, and he didn't. they were nice about it, tho. they printed something that was good enough for security, and we headed to the gate. (we left caesars palace about 65 minutes before the flight, stopped to gas up the rental, returned the rental to hertz, and still got to the AA counter at 45 minutes before departure...)

LAS has some of the worst security lines in the country. Don't chance it, stay inside the airport. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course, slot machines.

Take a taxi....$15.00....go directly to the Bellagio....have fun for 90 minutes and return. Bellagio is only 10-15 minutes from the taxi stand. However...if you have luggage do not attempt this. LAS baggage service is not very good...particularly with inbound flights. So...carry-on or forget it.

BTW: Bellagio at noon is pretty quiet...not a lot of action unless in is Saturday.

Regards,

------------------
Gas

http://www.aa.com/content/AAdvantage/programDetails/eliteStatus/main.jhtml

You are just a click away....!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by channa:
LAS has some of the worst security lines in the country. Don't chance it, stay inside the airport. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course, slot machines.</font>

I have to agree with Channa. We went to Las Vegas last weekend. We stayed at the Venetian, a short ride to the airport, and had a 1:30 return flight. I wanted to take the 12:00 bus back to the airport. Fortunately, an employee convinced us (more like pleaded with us) to take the 11:30. I figured, I'm from New York City, I am use to long lines. How bad could they be? Well, believe me they can be BAD. We were not checking luggage, we sailed through elite checkin. Then came security.... we did not arrive at the gate until a little after 1:00.
Had that Venetian employee not persuaded us to leave a half hour earlier we would have certainly missed our flight.

I'm with the "stay in the airport crowd" on this one. Leave the visit to the Sin City until the next MR with LAS as turn around point comes up, and it will. And you can always gamble in the airport...

I'll be taking a very short trip to Las Vegas tomorrow as somewhat of a mileage run. I will be arriving at noontime and departing at 11:00PM. I do plan on playing some blackjack. First off, any thoughts on best casino for blackjack that might be smoke-free? Also, what else should I do/see in the short time that I am there? Thanks!

I seem to recall the Bellagio has some smoke free gambling tables, but you may want to check individual properties' websites to see what they've got.

So many things to see (if you want to spend a little time away from the tables) - and others will have plenty of suggestions:

You might want to check out the Bellagio Fountains after dark (depending on how much time you have before catching your flight).

The Mirage's volcano is also worth a look-see.

I'd say look around the Venetian - it tries to recapture the feel of Venice.

Mac King's Comedy magic show (at Harrah's) is during the afternoon, and was funny, and a bit corny.

The Rio has a free Carnival show every so often during the day and evening.

The Star Trek Experience is interesting - haven't been to it in a few years, but it was cool.

The Stratosphere is a maybe, but it does give you a nice perspective on the City. However, you'll need to cab it there from either the Strip or downtown.

If you have a car, you may want to drive out to Red Rock Canyon if you have the inclination.

Get a steak at Delmonico's for lunch (at the Venetian).

Maybe even go down to Downtown Vegas, to see what it was like at the start - you may be disappointed.

I think Circus Circus is smoke free.

The Forum shop are open late.

You can find some good late night specials on food.

So my next mileage enhanced trip will take me to LAS and I will have a 4 hour layover from 8pm to midnight. I was wondering whether anyone could suggest some actvities to me, i.e. spotting, eating, getting out of the airport, gambling, whatever....
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

The key questions are:

What airline are you flying?
What day of the week?
What class of service? (i.e. First or Economy)

The reasons those are important is that they will determine if four hours is enough to leave the airport and still get back through security.

Depending on all of those answers, you may have enough time to catch a cab to one of the closer hotels on the strip and gamble or eat for a brief while.

There are slots throughout the airport, both airside and landside, but they're generally regarded to carry the least return of anyplace in Vegas. That being said, I've generally done fairly well at the airport in that regard.

As for restaurants, there are a whole bunch of quick-service eateries, but very few (if any) "good restaurants" in the airport.

What airline are you flying? UA/Ted
What day of the week? Saturday
What class of service? (i.e. First or Economy) Eco

I was actually hoping that security lines would be down to a minimum on a Saturday night. Is that the case?
Are there any spots inside the airport for spotting at night?

Security lines *should* be reduced, but I wouldn't take the risk. I would plan to enjoy your time in Terminal D unless you're prepared to miss your return flight.

UA/Ted
Saturday
Eco

I was actually hoping that security lines would be down to a minimum on a Saturday night. Is that the case?
Are there any spots inside the airport for spotting at night?

Thanx a lot for the heads up!
Are there any good spots overlooking the runway in Term. D?

Gamble :cool:

I echo the gambline suggestioin. I had a 2 hour stopover in LAS a few years back on an HP redeye LAX-BWI, and other than not being able to find good food I thoroughly enjoyed it. I played quarter slots, and IIRC ended up being down $1.25 for the entire layover (I'm not a big gambler). It was very cheap entertainment.

Are there any good spots overlooking the runway in Term. D?D at McCarran is great for watching aircraft, there was a kids corner with a couple of telescopes pointed at the Strip that can be aimed at the sky as well. It's near a small "History of McCarran" exhibit.
Last time I pulled an overnight in LAS the pay phones in D allowed incoming calls, save the batteries on the mobile. If the new lockers are available in D you wont have to carry your bags around.

This little tidbit of local interest appeared in the LVRJ April 14th, and as I just posted it in the "Airport's Hidden Treasures" thread, over in Travel & Dining, I thought it would be a good thing to share with my LV forum friends! Click here:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7618223&postcount=37

To be honest, even if you had six hours, with the traffic on a Saturday night it would still have been a challenge to get to the Strip and back with any time to see or do anything.

Too bad you can't change your flight and spend a night, but again - try getting a single Saturday night stay...also a difficult task.

McCarran airport is constantly ranked high as one of the better airports to spend some time - quite modern, lots of shopping and places to get something to eat, and of course, the slots. It is local lore that McCarran is a bad place to play regular slots (video poker being the exception) but at least twice in the past few years there have been huge progressive jackpots won on the Wheel of Fortune slot machines that are hooked up throughout Nevada. So while all the locals were busy feeding the machines at their local casinos, tourists hit the jackpots at the airport! One local news station started off their newscast by saying, "one local tourist missed his flight home tonight...he was delayed while waiting for his multi-million dollar payout after winning Wheel of Fortune." You should be so lucky to miss a flight for that reason!

I was going to suggest the kids' area as well.

I've made that connection on a Monday evening with a 7 hour layover and went to the strip for dinner and a little playing without any problem. We used the lockers at the airport to keep our carryon luggage so we wouldn't have to take it through security again. I don't think I would do it with 4 hours, just because it wouldn't be enough time to do much. Also, LAS has free wifi, so if you have a laptop you can access that.

I was going to suggest the kids' area as well.

I've made that connection on a Monday evening with a 7 hour layover and went to the strip for dinner and a little playing without any problem. We used the lockers at the airport to keep our carryon luggage so we wouldn't have to take it through security again. I don't think I would do it with 4 hours, just because it wouldn't be enough time to do much. Also, LAS has free wifi, so if you have a laptop you can access that.

Will the lockers fit a standard rollaway? How much time would you leave from getting a cab until flight departure? I have a layover this week in LAS, from 2:30 pm - 11:59 pm. when should I look for a cab to get back from the strip area, probably around the Flamingo., I was thinking around 10:15 (?) Thanks....

Depending on the day of week and the conventions, you could figure out how long you think you need advance. Normally I would think 10:15 would be fine especially if you have an elite card to jump the line at security if it gets long.

I think the lockers will hold them, but I can't be sure. It's been two years since I did that and I haven't used them since. More info and sizing here:

http://www.mccarran.com/services.asp

(click on lockers and sizing is in the pop-up)

As for restaurants, there are a whole bunch of quick-service eateries, but very few (if any) "good restaurants" in the airport.

i respectfully disagree.

i'm not sure what else a person could ask for besides Starbucks, Quizznos and Cinnabon.

Its easier to say what Not to do, and that is Dont leave the airport, especially on a Fri or Sat night.

I believe there is a Health Club outside the security area, there was a fee , dont know the exact location or the hours. But a good place for a nice shower maybe theres a sauna or steam.

Having said this, the truth is if I had to hang in an Airport for 4 hrs LAS would be #1 on my list with maybe PIT with all its stores as #2. Other then these 2 I cant think of any other Id want to have to be in, in the US that is

I'm doing a MR next Wednesday to LAS, have a 7 hour layover (5:30 P.M. to 12:45 A.M.). Never been there b/f and I want to hit some of the casinos (don't need restaurants or eating tips). Can anyone advise me what's the best way to do this? Do I rent a car and drive from casino to casino (or park somewhere in between them) or take a shuttle to one (if there are any) and walk from one to another or take a taxi... Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Also, is that elite security line, that I've been reading about, still running (and so late at night)?

Moderator, can you move this please to the MR Discussion section?

I'm doing a MR next Wednesday to LAS, have a 7 hour layover (5:30 P.M. to 12:45 A.M.). Never been there b/f and I want to hit some of the casinos (don't need restaurants or eating tips). Can anyone advise me what's the best way to do this? Do I rent a car and drive from casino to casino (or park somewhere in between them) or take a shuttle to one (if there are any) and walk from one to another or take a taxi... Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Also, is that elite security line, that I've been reading about, still running (and so late at night)?

Take a taxi to Bellagio. Bellagio is probably the nicest place there, and if you're inclined to wander, plenty of other places are pretty close.

Wait until after sunset and see the fountain at Bellagio. Kind of cliche, but still pretty cool.

There are lots of places to gamble in Las Vegas (incl. Bellagio), but if you want something a bit different and are into art, I'd suggest the gallery at Bellagio. I saw an Ansel Adams exhibition there last fall, and it was the highlight of my trip. The current exhibition is Picasso.

Plenty of great places to eat, but you might want to consider Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill at Caesar's Palace.

Actually, based on the guidelines for content in the Mileage Run forums after the restructuring, I'm going to move this to the Las Vegas destination forum for further discussion.

Dave, a.k.a. dmfriedman
Moderator, Mileage Run

I'm doing a MR next Wednesday to LAS, have a 7 hour layover (5:30 P.M. to 12:45 A.M.). Never been there b/f and I want to hit some of the casinos (don't need restaurants or eating tips). Can anyone advise me what's the best way to do this? Do I rent a car and drive from casino to casino (or park somewhere in between them) or take a shuttle to one (if there are any) and walk from one to another or take a taxi... Any suggestions will be much appreciated. Also, is that elite security line, that I've been reading about, still running (and so late at night)?

I think renting a car would kill too much time, and driving from casino to casino will not save time either b/c of the time associated with both self-parking (long walks) and valet (long waits). You can board a shuttle bus at the airport, but since they drop off a multiple hotel/casinos it can be a long ride sometimes. You can, however, rent a limo or just take a cab. Hopefully the cab line won't be ridicuously long.

If you really want to experience multiple casinos in a short time and you are focused on a varied gambling experience, you might want to try downtown. Most of the casinos are close to each other on Freemont Street, which has been turned into a pedestrian-only boulevard. If you want to see the fancier mega casinos, you should focus on one of two strip (Las Vegas Blvd) intersections:

1. Flamingo Rd & LV Blvd. This puts you in easy walking distance of Bellagio, Caesar's, Flamingo, Bally's, Paris, and Planet Hollywood.

2. Sands Ave & LV Blvd. Wynn, Venetian, Treasure Island, and Mirage are all in this area.

Since you are going on a Wednesday, suggest renting a car. Walking from the parking structure to casino would be less walking (in most instances) than walking between casinos. Taking taxis can start getting a bit expensive if you are doing many casino hops, so renting a car would be the best choice especially on a weekday which usually has less traffic.

Do I rent a car and drive from casino to casino (or park somewhere in between them) or take a shuttle to one (if there are any) and walk from one to another or take a taxi... Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

The local transit agency runs a double-decker bus called "The Deuce":

http://www.rtcsnv.com/deuce/

and then there is the monorail, but note that it runs behind the eastern-side casinos and is quite a hike from the actual strip:

http://www.lvmonorail.com/

Moderator, can you move this please to the MR Discussion section?

Why? This is about what to do on a short stopover. It just happens to be part of a mileage run.

Duplicate-deleted

I'm with the "stay in the airport crowd" on this one. Leave the visit to the Sin City until the next MR with LAS as turn around point comes up, and it will. And you can always gamble in the airport...

There's also free wi-fi in LAS ^

Thanks so much everyone for your help. I'm gonna explore each of these options and decide tomorrow or the next day. Let you know.

I did something similiar with a bunch of co-workers with stopover in LAS from SLC. We took cabs to the Venetian to run around for about 45 minutes as we had several hours layover. Given the taxi ride ride back & LAS security, we were running madly thru the airport to catch our flight home. We barely made it before they shut the doors! Too stressful for me!

Great suggestions and all bring up great points. Sorry this ended up being so long and some of it is just what others have posted.

For your Wed MR I would suggest a taxi or limo just because it would save you time. Ask the driver to drive you on Paradise Road - this will save you a lot of time rather than if they drive you around the airport and then get on the interstate.
I would suggest having them drop you off at Ballys or the Venetian because these centrally located casinos are on the east side of the strip and you may want to mention to the driver that you want to avoid the strip - at that time of night it will take a long time. The driver should be able to take you on some of the streets running parallel to the strip (like Pardise Rd and Koval lane).
If you are not afraid of walking and the heat (it is hot 98 degrees when I landed at 10:30pm) here is a suggestion - Have the taxi drop you off at the Venetian you could walk through the casino go upstairs to the mall see the canal and shops. Stay on this level and exit towards the strip and you will have a nice view of the Mirage where you may see the volcano (it is cheesy but it is the place that started the new Vegas in 1990) as you walk towards Caesars Palace. From there walk through the Forum Shops to Caesars Palace. Exit Caesars and go to Bellagio you can check out the conservatory inside (next to hotel registration). From Bellagio walk across the strip to Ballys and catch a taxi back to the airport. Taking a taxi from Ballys will save you a lot of time because you will be on the east side of the Strip.
If your incoming flight is on time you should have time to do all of that and you will have seen some of the major attractions on the strip plus you will saved time by staying on the east side of the strip which is the side the airport is on. I would suggest looking at a map so you can get a little familiar with the streets and casino locations so the driver does not try to take you on the strip or on the interstate.

There are shuttle buses that take you to the casinos on the strip while they are cheaper you will have to spend time waiting for them. They have to fill up with passengers before they leave. Because of the short time you are going to be in Las Vegas I would not recommend this. If you decide to do this only do it on the ride from the airport, take a taxi/limo back.

If you decide to rent a car.... Thursday night I walked outside the airport and had to catch a shuttle bus to the new car rental terminal - the wait for a shuttle was 10-15 minutes and then the drive was another 10 minutes. It looks like you would get an express check in which helps. The car rental center is south of the airport - which will take you an extra few minutes to get to the strip and will take extra time to get back and extra time for the shuttle ride to the airport. If renting a suggestion would be to avoid driving on the strip or drive on it as little as possible. If you decide to drive the strip all your time will be taken sitting in the car - traffic at night can take a LONG time. If renting a car you may want to drive on streets that are east of the strip and then park your car in one of the casinos on the east side - because they will be easier to exit when you leave. If driving I would look at a map program before you leave to get familiar with a few roads - suggestions would be Paradise Rd and Koval Ln - this will help you to avoid some of the traffic. Parking is free so there is no cost to drive between casinos but sometimes parking in the garages and walking through the garages and casinos can be a hassle. If you were there longer I would suggest the car because that would give you flexibility to visit other parts of the strip or the city.

When getting back to the airport - use a kiosk if you have to check in. The security lines that you have heard about are no joke. LAS is the only airport in the domestic US that I arrive 1hr30min to check in for. Hopefully the lines will not be so long that late at night. Even if you were to get through security in no time there are a few things you can do in the airport which have all been mentioned.

Best of luck and have a great time!

Hi everyone, I am doing a mileage run to Vegas tomorrow and I arrive in Vegas at 5:40 pm and my flight leaves Vegas at 10:45 pm. Is that enough time to head to the strip for awhile, and if not what do you recommend I do during my layover.


Thanks,
mbmiles88

Checking in at las can be chancy. Sometimes you get through in a few minutes, other times its a few hours. Generally after 8 pm things calm down a bit. There are lots of slot machines (the pay off rate is generally inferior to the rate at "real" casinos,) so you can kill time gambling.

Definitely time to get to the strip. After you land proceed directly to baggage claim/ground trans and jump into the taxi queue - hopefully it will be short. It will definitely be super hot outdoors (106 degrees on Wed). I'm not sure if you have been to Vegas before - so given the limited time I would have the cab go to Bellagio, and see if you can do a walk in (it's early on a summer weekday so chances are very good) at any of the restaurants on Lake Bellagio for dinner before going back to the airport. Or if gambling is your thing, just choose a casino and enjoy a few hours there.

Since I don't have any set location to go to, should I just take a shuttle to somewhere in the middle of the strip and a cab back to the airport? Will it be hard to get a cab to the airport?

Since I don't have any set location to go to, should I just take a shuttle to somewhere in the middle of the strip and a cab back to the airport? Will it be hard to get a cab to the airport?cabbing is very easy in las and the best way to get one is get in the taxi line at any of the major casinos-s/b no longer than a 10 minute wait if they are busy.

also, if going from the airport, yes the shuttle will take you to anyone of the major casinos on the strip and tho cheaper than a cab, it could take up to a half hour as they will make stops along the way at other casinos prior to yours. a cab is quickest and should run around $15 but if your do take a cab from the airport, make sure you read these threads and pay attention to "tunneling".

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=713003
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284070

Since I don't have any set location to go to, should I just take a shuttle to somewhere in the middle of the strip and a cab back to the airport? Will it be hard to get a cab to the airport?

No. There will be cabs at all the major casinos. Note that in Vegas, you can't flag a cab down on the street, it is illegal.

If you want to maximize time in the casino (losing your money), I'd suggest going to Mandalay Bay which is closest to the airport. They also have some great dining options. Bellagio probably adds another 5-10 minutes on each end.

I think I know the answer to this, but want input anyway, I have a layover Sunday in LAS from 1:34 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. Is this feasible to hit a casino? I figure this time line: Land 1:34 (good luck, US!), locker for carry-on and in taxi line by 2:00 p.m. MGM by 2:30, look for taxi back to LAS by 3:00, so not really worth it. Any hints on cutting my time down?

On a Sunday afternoon this is doable. The only hiccup might be is if there is a convention that week and conventioneers are coming in at the same time and causing a longer taxi line and hence about a 10 minute longer wait though you can always go with the $5 tip to a skycap for quick access to a taxi ;).

Might as well just stay at the airport and lose money playing the machines there.

I think I know the answer to this, but want input anyway, I have a layover Sunday in LAS from 1:34 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. Is this feasible to hit a casino? I figure this time line: Land 1:34 (good luck, US!), locker for carry-on and in taxi line by 2:00 p.m. MGM by 2:30, look for taxi back to LAS by 3:00, so not really worth it. Any hints on cutting my time down?

It is tight, especially if you can't go in the First Class line through security.

You might also consider not going to MGM. It can be a 10 minute walk to and from the front door and if there is something big going on, you could wait for a taxi there too. Why not try Hard Rock or something off Paradise or Flamingo so you can get back out to the airport faster?

Was just in vegas in July. The only place I actually won money was at the airport on the way home. ($50) Leave your gambling to the airport :)

I wouldn't risk it. I fly NW and they routinely advise travelers to appear at the LAS airport 2 hours early. This is overly cautious for the first class flyer but I'd rather not stress it. With a total of 3 hours even if you land on time, then I don't see much value here. But why would you need to get a locker for your carry-on if you did? People stroll through Vegas casinos with their luggage all the time or you can leave it at the Bell Desk. Tip up front and they "forget" to wonder if you're actually checking in or out. Not wanting to name any names, but at a well-known casino with a lot of fountains, if you tip the guy up front, he will put your bags where they can find them quickly and also make a note on your bell claim ticket that you should be first in the taxi line. Admittedly I haven't tried this at MGM but I've tried it at the place I just mentioned and I don't know why it wouldn't work everywhere with a motivated bell desk.



I think I know the answer to this, but want input anyway, I have a layover Sunday in LAS from 1:34 p.m. - 4:35 p.m. Is this feasible to hit a casino? I figure this time line: Land 1:34 (good luck, US!), locker for carry-on and in taxi line by 2:00 p.m. MGM by 2:30, look for taxi back to LAS by 3:00, so not really worth it. Any hints on cutting my time down?

I wouldn't risk it. But why would you need to get a locker for your carry-on if you did? People stroll through Vegas casinos with their luggage all the time or you can leave it at the Bell Desk. Tip up front and they "forget" to wonder if you're actually checking in or out. Not wanting to name any names, but at a well-known casino with a lot of fountains, if you tip the guy up front, he will put your bags where they can find them quickly and also make a note on your bell claim ticket that you should be first in the taxi line.

I can move much faster and more comfortably without the rollaway, lockers are cheap & easy anyway. But as some have said, it may be easier to just stay at LAS, or I can try and switch to a 9:30 connection to SAN nad have plenty of time...

I think I know the answer to this, but want input anyway,

I say, GO FOR IT!

There is no better feeling in the world, then having to MISS your flight, because you can't leave a table where you are on an incredible streak (or, better yet, ROLL)!
:D:D

I say, GO FOR IT!

There is no better feeling in the world, then having to MISS your flight, because you can't leave a table where you are on an incredible streak (or, better yet, ROLL)!
:D:D

Yep, that's why regular visitors always have backup WN flights ready ;).

I believe this was my personal best :D

Flight leaving LAS was 7.20pm
Left Mandalay Bay at 6.15pm
Filled up gas, returned car, and took shuttle to LAS, arrived 6.43pm
Security (Lane 9) and tram to D concourse, arrived 6.57pm
Boarded at 7.02pm :D

So it's definitely possible, and that was Sunday evening as well

I believe this was my personal best :D

Flight leaving LAS was 7.20pm
Left Mandalay Bay at 6.15pm
Filled up gas, returned car, and took shuttle to LAS, arrived 6.43pm
Security (Lane 9) and tram to D concourse, arrived 6.57pm
Boarded at 7.02pm :D

So it's definitely possible, and that was Sunday evening as well

But what time did you arrive at Mandalay Bay?

But what time did you arrive at Mandalay Bay?


4.30pm to gamble the last hour before my flight....make that 1h 45min :D

I didn't see this option listed here, and this option certainly is different than everything else listed here.

If you're at LAS and have a few hours to kill, they have a 24 Hour Fitness in the airport. It is outside of security, and not the easiest to find. As you leave the gates, heading toward baggage claim, you'll see signs. Follow those to an elevator. You'll take that down to B I think. Once down there, it is pretty straightforward to get in. By its name, I'm assuming it is open 24 Hours, but you may want to research this if you'll be there at an odd time.

The drop-in fee for visitors (no membership at all) was $10 for me in June. If you have any sort of 24 Hour Fitness membership it will be reduced or free. They have a small locker room (you'll get a lock at the front desk), showers, sauna in the locker room, a bunch of cardio equipment (treadmills, bikes, etc), a half decent selection of weight machines, and free weights. My rollerboard didn't fit in a locker, so I just dragged it out on the floor and put it behind the treadmill I was using, then near the machines when I moved down there.

They have monitors inside with updated flight info. The attendant can usually give you an idea how long it will take to get to your gate.

I recently had 3 hours to kill at LAS. I had tried for an eariler flight, but no dice. The US club is about $40. So I did this, got in a nice 40 min treadmill run, some weights, showered, and dressed casual for my flight back.

If you're at LAS and have a few hours to kill, they have a 24 Hour Fitness in the airport.

Not to take anything away from your suggestion, which is a good one. But usually the exercising one thinks of first during a layover in LAS is pulling a lever or pushing button(s) ;). :D

Not to take anything away from your suggestion, which is a good one. But usually the exercising one thinks of first during a layover in LAS is pulling a lever or pushing button(s) ;). :D

True. But not all of us are into gambling, and some may simply want to avoid the smoke which seems ever-present all over Vegas.

I go to LAS 5-6x a year for work, and usually 1 vacation a year. I'll rarely spend more than $20 gambling, many times I don't gamble at all (but I'll make it up with spending on shows). If I have a choice, I stay somewhere w/o a casino. Yea, for my first couple trips to LAS ~10 years ago I was more into the gambling aspect, but it seems less and less each time I go.

If you're at LAS and have a few hours to kill, they have a 24 Hour Fitness in the airport. It is outside of security, and not the easiest to find.

This facility is now closed - I'm at LAS right now, managed to find it without too much trouble, but there was a sign on the door saying it ceased trading due to lease expiry (earlier this month, IIRC). That'd explain why there was no answer when I tried to call last night to check their weekend hours - LAS website currently shows:

Hours:
24 hours, Monday - Thursday
12 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday
6 a.m. - 9 a.m., Saturday & Sunday

But even that's now out of date...

FWIW, there's hardly anything open in the evenings here - I was hoping to find someplace to have a pleasant sit-down meal, everything fitting that description is closed up. It's basically fast-food outlets or nothing... slightly surprised at that.

Oh well. Maybe I'll overnight on my next MR and see more than the airport ;)