Las Vegas - OMG! Las Vegas on a Sunday!

This was amazing. I decided to go to the airport early because I was over the whole Las Vegas thing after a week of working a conference.

Boy am I glad I did. It was just a zoo. I’ve traveled all over the world and I’ve never seen an airport so crowded. The line started all the way on the other side of the airport. I made it to a point where I thought I was getting close only to have to turn the corner for another line that bended back around again. That happened three times!

I’m never coming back to Vegas, that’s all I have to say.

the Las two times I flew out of there on a sunday, it was a mad house as well and my plane was delayed both times so it was even more crazy:confused:

on a side note their terminal is nice :)

I’m never coming back to Vegas, that’s all I have to say.

You are a person of wisdom and sense. However, on topic -- especially since I might yet be dragged back to LAS, (figuratively) kicking and screaming to be sure:

When you refer to all those snaking lines, was that at the UA counter, or security or what?

How were the UA ground personnel?

How was your flight? Did you fly Ted or mainline?

This was amazing. I decided to go to the airport early because I was over the whole Las Vegas thing after a week of working a conference.

Boy am I glad I did. It was just a zoo. I’ve traveled all over the world and I’ve never seen an airport so crowded. The line started all the way on the other side of the airport. I made it to a point where I thought I was getting close only to have to turn the corner for another line that bended back around again. That happened three times!

I’m never coming back to Vegas, that’s all I have to say.

I assume you're talking about the security line here and not the check-in line?

Since this doesn't really appear to be UA-specific, suggest it be moved somewhere else...

How odd. I had my first expirence at LAS on a Sunday night in mid october. I was on the 8 somthing flight at night from LAS-LAX and the airport was a ghost town.

No Checkin Weight
No Security Weight
Ted was ontime

Sounds like this may have been the closing day of a big convention.

vegoose also ends today, but im guessing a lot of those people arent leaving until later

Usually, Monday morning is even worse. At least if you are flying UA, you can go through security at the First Class lane. It's supposed to be limited to 1K only but as long as you have a Gold boarding pass, they usually let you go through.

LAS and MCO during peak departure times can show an impressive display of humanity.

Remember that SUN afternoon/evening are the worst days ever for trying to clear Security. It is horrible, horrible! Did I forget to mention it is horrible?:D

One should always get to the airport early on a sunday morning like 6 or 7am but before 11am. Then just hang around play some slots, go to a club, etc... It will relieve your stress levels.

Since this doesn't really appear to be UA-specific, suggest it be moved somewhere else...

Agree - any yours truly has a LAS flight tomorow morning back to Chicago (via LAX). :eek:

I'll move this to the Las Vegas forum.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA

OK, kiddies: I know most of you can't take advantage of this because of your airlines......but LAS McCarran Terminal 2, serviced by HA (our airline!), amongst others, is a whole 'nother animal from LAS McCarran Terminal 1. It is by the grace of God that we arrive and depart from Terminal 2......it doesn't matter day of week or time of day.....Terminal 2 is an uncrowded, civilized traveler's dream come true. If ther's ANY way you can switch to a carrier who arrives and departs from Terminal 2 McCarran........you owe it to yourself to do so!

OK, kiddies: I know most of you can't take advantage of this because of your airlines......but LAS McCarran Terminal 2, serviced by HA (our airline!), amongst others, is a whole 'nother animal from LAS McCarran Terminal 1. It is by the grace of God that we arrive and depart from Terminal 2......it doesn't matter day of week or time of day.....Terminal 2 is an uncrowded, civilized traveler's dream come true. If ther's ANY way you can switch to a carrier who arrives and departs from Terminal 2 McCarran........you owe it to yourself to do so!

Unless you're flying internationally, to Hawaii, or happen to be booked on a Champion 727 charter flight, you're not going from Terminal 2 at LAS.

Fly Saturday night -- the airport is a tomb, no lines.

Remember that SUN afternoon/evening are the worst days ever for trying to clear Security. It is horrible, horrible! Did I forget to mention it is horrible?:D

One should always get to the airport early on a sunday morning like 6 or 7am but before 11am. Then just hang around play some slots, go to a club, etc... It will relieve your stress levels.

FYI, there is no club post security in LAS. US has a club pre-security by the A/B concourses. CO is planning on opening a club in LAS 2nd Q 08.

Usually, Monday morning is even worse. At least if you are flying UA, you can go through security at the First Class lane. It's supposed to be limited to 1K only but as long as you have a Gold boarding pass, they usually let you go through.

I had an issue using the elite/F line last Sunday when I was in Vegas. You can read about it here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8593248&postcount=3) and see what I did to get around it.

How odd. I had my first expirence at LAS on a Sunday night in mid october. I was on the 8 somthing flight at night from LAS-LAX and the airport was a ghost town.

No Checkin Weight
No Security Weight
Ted was ontime

Fly Saturday night -- the airport is a tomb, no lines.

As is the case with most travel saturday night anywhere. But on Sunday night in LAS it isn't too bad before the Redeye dedpartures back to the east coast. 6-8pm is a good time to leave on Sunday.

If you want to avoid the crowds then do Las Vegas mid-week. Fly-in on a Sunday or Monday and out again by Thursday/Friday. Hotel accommodation is much cheaper and airport queues are easier as well.

Agree - any yours truly has a LAS flight tomorow morning back to Chicago (via LAX). :eek:

I'll move this to the Las Vegas forum.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UAand don't go being be late for work, now..... ;)

but in all seriousness, las on a sunday or monday holiday can be hit or miss in terms of wait times. i go on long w/e's with a monday mid-pm return and have had my share of waits at security.

now as an aside, i usually go with a friend who lives in phx [assuming he gets a hall pass from his wife ;)] and he flies wn so for kicks i'll walk with him for a bit in the wn security line just to look at all the pretty women flying back to socal* ;)


*quiz and the winner gets a tootsie-pop (but if it's iluv2fly, then it's 2x red)

This weekend had the NHRA Drag racing, the PBR bull riding, and a Pro Basketball game. I'm flying out of LAS tomorrow (Mon). Last Sunday was bad too. I seen the lines from down at baggage claim at 8:30 AM.

You are a person of wisdom and sense. However, on topic -- especially since I might yet be dragged back to LAS, (figuratively) kicking and screaming to be sure:

When you refer to all those snaking lines, was that at the UA counter, or security or what?

How were the UA ground personnel?

How was your flight? Did you fly Ted or mainline?

On-topic, I think: On arrival to my Ted (rar) flight LAS-SFO Sunday morning I was amused to find all of the UA flight monitors (and gate displays) had switched back to standard time. Unfortunately daylight savings time lasts longer this year... so flights were showing as leaving an hour before they really did. But the estimated late departure date for the flight was right on schedule.

UA1589 LAS-SFO today: nice crew, small cup of diet coke, captain thanked us for "Flying United" despite everything else saying "Ted".

I tried to stand by on a delayed, earlier flight and the GA was overwhelmed with standby requests. I'm sure she gave away most of the seven or so standby seats available to about 4 non-status pax (GA: "Do you have a UA or US mileage card? Not with you ... that's okay, I'll get you on.") while I cooled my heels as a 1P on the list and ultimately didn't get on.

The security lines are one reason that I always, always, always make sure I am flying up front out of LAS, since AA has a first-class line and it seems that the ability to use it as an Exec Plat in coach seems to be hit or miss. On those occasions that I am on an RJ to LAX before heading back to Boston, I show them my LAXBOS boarding pass with "First" printed on it. On the rare occasion that they actually see that it is an LAX BP and not LAS, I just say "oops" and pull out the LASLAX BP. By this time, the line dragon is so confused that they just send me through.

Mike

The security lines are one reason that I always, always, always make sure I am flying up front out of LAS, since AA has a first-class line and it seems that the ability to use it as an Exec Plat in coach seems to be hit or miss. On those occasions that I am on an RJ to LAX before heading back to Boston, I show them my LAXBOS boarding pass with "First" printed on it. On the rare occasion that they actually see that it is an LAX BP and not LAS, I just say "oops" and pull out the LASLAX BP. By this time, the line dragon is so confused that they just send me through.

Mike

I have never had any problem getting through with STAR GOLD or SILVER on my boarding pass.

I was at LAS from about 4:30p-7p on Sunday and it didn't seem too bad at all.

Travelling out on a peak day during a peak time in Vegas can cause mass chaos at the airport. It was bad enough for me during late September...and I had an early morning flight out. One thing that many people aren't aware of at T1 is the security line over on the side of the terminal. I use it when I fly out of LAS on Sundays and it cuts my wait times down by at least 1/2. It's the line where once you go in the door...you are literally 5 people (at most) from being scanned. That line is typically faster than the regular cluster up front.

The problem is the number of people flying changes dramatically due to the day of the week and what conventions might be in town.

I dropped my wife off at the airport Wednesday morning and the lines were trivial. I walked with her up to about 10' from the ID checkers. It probably took a minute there but that was because she had the bad luck to be behind a party of morons. At security itself the line didn't even extend back to the end of the X-ray belt--she put her stuff on the belt before getting in line.

I would say the longest wait was at the check-in counter itself--and that because the woman at the counter didn't seem too good at handling the situation. Seriously, now, international flights to visa-required countries aren't really that alien, are they??

Sadly, Vegas - the town and th airport - is a mess.

Sadly, Vegas - the town and th airport - is a mess.

Happily, not for us!

I have avoided Sunday for departure as much as possible unless I have a flight at 5pm - then it seems like it isn't any trouble. Fridays can be hit or miss in the AM - depends on what convention is finishing that day. Saturdays are the best if you can swing it - arrival there is no wait for a taxi and departures are easy too in most cases.

I wish they had better advantages for Elite - it isn't clearly marked and harder when the lines are long.....still, won't keep me from coming to LAS!

Sadly, Vegas - the town and th airport - is a mess.

The town is a mess??? I resent that but would like to know why you think that way...

I wish they had better advantages for Elite - it isn't clearly marked and harder when the lines are long.....still, won't keep me from coming to LAS!

The key for the D gates is to just walk up the far left side (where people are exiting) and ignore anyone that trys to tell you to stop or not go that way. Then you can bypass everyone, an hour wait in the line and be in the 5-10 person line for the elite line ID checker and through security within 5-10 minutes total.

I agree the line is not clearly marked, but I guess that just plays into mine and MRP Alert's homefield advantage. :)

The c security gate was only 5 minutes long at 3pm 10/29.

Other than using the elite line for the D gates, I've found there are never lines at all for redeyes (at least for the 1am LAS-MSP I take frequently).

I was at Vegas airport on a Sunday two weeks ago. It was packed. I missed the baggage check in by less than 1 minute, and the gate clerk would not let me in. I figured no biggie, I'd standby for the next flight . . . . I was there for about 14 hours, and there was no room for standby on the next flights, and was only one of two that made it on the final flight of the day.

Other than using the elite line for the D gates, I've found there are never lines at all for redeyes (at least for the 1am LAS-MSP I take frequently).

On the 10/21 redeye from vegas->ord, every seat was taken and there were at least 15 standbys that did not make it out that night. There were no weather issues or canceled flights. It is just a mess trying to leave on a Sunday night since so many people are trying to go home after their Vegas weekend getaway.

Interstate 15 out of Vegas for southern California is also packed on a Sunday. Just as it is Friday afternoon/evening from southern Cal to Vegas. Also if you are flying out of LAS on morning flights you may not escape the long waits for security.

Interstate 15 out of Vegas for southern California is also packed on a Sunday.

Yep, and a simple mishap can cause an 8+ hour ordeal on the road. I'd rather put up with the lines at the airport.

Any thoughts on how busy LAS will be on Saturday morning after Thanksgiving (for a 10.30 AA flight)? Last time I flew AA from Vegas, took nearly two hours just to check in (in the first class line) - as a non-resident, I'm never able to use kiosks/kerbside checkin, always need to produce my passport at the desk for 'verification'.

A FC ticket to Las Vegas is the key for avoiding any mess on Sundays, from check in to security. If you're in First, you can easily get from drop off to the gate in under 30 min.

This is one of the main reasons I quit UA, because Ted doesn't help me get through McCarren. Rar.

I always take a 7 am departure on Sunday Mornings. The Airport is still deserted although I am usually still dressing in my clothes form the night before. :eek:

A FC ticket to Las Vegas is the key for avoiding any mess on Sundays, from check in to security. If you're in First, you can easily get from drop off to the gate in under 30 min.

This is one of the main reasons I quit UA, because Ted doesn't help me get through McCarren. Rar.

Ugh, tell me about it. ORD->LAS is a frequent vacation flight that I take, and one of the few times I *really* want to fly FC. Ted blows.

We had no problems leaving LAS on Sunday mid-afternoon in September (and that was at the WN terminal!) but it is really hit-or-miss. If there is a major convention or a major party (i.e. Halloween weekend, boxing, etc.) you can almost guarantee a major crowd scene.

As noted above, best thing to do is to avoid flying Sunday altogether, either by departing Saturday (and thus saving a fortune on accomodations) or departing Monday (Sunday nights are usually cheap^).

Remember that SUN afternoon/evening are the worst days ever for trying to clear Security. It is horrible, horrible! Did I forget to mention it is horrible?:D

One should always get to the airport early on a sunday morning like 6 or 7am but before 11am. Then just hang around play some slots, go to a club, etc... It will relieve your stress levels.

When we go to LAS, Mr 'mauld' and I are always on the first flight out on CO on a Sun or Mon (6:30-7:00 am flights) and are luckily able to use the Elite security line. But even that early the airport security lines can be a ZOO!

I have pretty much given up taking Southwest or United to Vegas, and now pretty much stick with US Airways. On the Sunday the OP is talking about, we saw the huge amount of people in the C/D security area around 2p, but luckily we were on US (their gates are in the A/B area) and breezed through security in about 5 minutes, and would have been through quicker if not for the ID checker sending us to the priority line (we are UA Premier) which since they only had one scanner open for that line, wound up taking longer then the main line with multiple scanners open.

I have pretty much given up taking Southwest or United to Vegas, and now pretty much stick with US Airways. On the Sunday the OP is talking about, we saw the huge amount of people in the C/D security area around 2p, but luckily we were on US (their gates are in the A/B area) and breezed through security in about 5 minutes, and would have been through quicker if not for the ID checker sending us to the priority line (we are UA Premier) which since they only had one scanner open for that line, wound up taking longer then the main line with multiple scanners open.

Usually the WN lines at the C gates move pretty well. Yes, there is a mass of people but I'm always impressed by how well it moves for the number of people there.

Went to D gates on Sunday night around 10:15 pm, breezed through.

Several have implied that Monday is as bad as Sunday can be. Is that all morning, or only the early bird flights? I've been trying to avoid Sundays because they have been just awful on a couple of trips (term D) and have been OK mid morning Mondays. But after one year with a 2.5 hour wait (as CES was ending) LAS just gives me the creeps. Who wants to get to the airport 3 hours early??

Usually depart LAS (SWA) on a Wednesday 4:00 PM flight out. The last couple of trips, security was so quick, couldn't drink the bottle of water I had in my bag for the line. No wait to the ID checker, as they had 4 or 5 working. No line from there to the machines, right to the conveyor belt. From the turn into C, to exiting security, 10 minutes max.

Took longer to return the rental car. Maybe just lucky, but I am sticking with the Wednesday PM departure for the next couple of trips.

Several have implied that Monday is as bad as Sunday can be. Is that all morning, or only the early bird flights? I've been trying to avoid Sundays because they have been just awful on a couple of trips (term D) and have been OK mid morning Mondays. But after one year with a 2.5 hour wait (as CES was ending) LAS just gives me the creeps. Who wants to get to the airport 3 hours early??

I've done early Monday morning flights like 5:00 am to catch 6:30 or 7:00 am flights. The lines are pretty good generally about 10-15 mins max to get through ID check and security. Leaving after CES, however, is a different animal.

... Leaving after CES, however, is a different animal.

Never again, trust me :td:

Left LAS last night (Monday) on the 9:06 PM flight to SJC. No line at all at A-B. I mean, the belt was still and they were waiting for me.

When people are saying that the lines for the Sunday night redeye flights are bad, how "bad" is "bad"?

I'm on the 12:35am AA flight to ORD this Sunday night (really Monday morning). Will getting to the airport at 11pm be fine? (I have no status :( )

I'm used to flying out of Terminal 2 directly to YYZ on AC or WS, which is always a breeze.

I am going to be staying at the Imperial Palace this weekend & my flight is 6:20am on Ted on Monday morning. (I hated scheduling that, but needed to be home Monday afternoon & that was the only flight that worked.) I was planning on checking out at 4:00 am & getting a cab. Will that be plenty of time or do I need to get up earlier (or just not go to bed)?

I am going to be staying at the Imperial Palace this weekend & my flight is 6:20am on Ted on Monday morning. (I hated scheduling that, but needed to be home Monday afternoon & that was the only flight that worked.) I was planning on checking out at 4:00 am & getting a cab. Will that be plenty of time or do I need to get up earlier (or just not go to bed)?

It's been a while since we stayed at the I.P; but FWIW, we used to make a 7:00am Thursday morning departure from LAS, grabbing a cab from Fremont St. around 5:00am. The trick was to NOT take the freeway, as we've seen it backed up even at that early hour, but to take the surface streets: primarily Paradise, straight into the airport. Now we depart on a 2:30am redeye; so traffic isn't even a consideration. Soooooo........

If you get into a cab at the I.P. by 4:30am, and instruct the cabdriver to take you to McCarran via Paradise - NOT the freeway! - you should be more than fine for your 6:20am departure. My route would be: From the I.P.: Left onto Las Vegas Blvd; Left onto Flamingo; Right onto Paradise; straight into McCarran and Terminal 1.

Hope this helps, and Good Luck in Vegas!!!!!!!




__________________________________________________ _______________

I am going to be staying at the Imperial Palace this weekend & my flight is 6:20am on Ted on Monday morning. (I hated scheduling that, but needed to be home Monday afternoon & that was the only flight that worked.) I was planning on checking out at 4:00 am & getting a cab. Will that be plenty of time or do I need to get up earlier (or just not go to bed)?

4:00 am to catch a 6:20 should be plenty of time. I too allow myself about 2.25 hours to get to airport in the early morning and get there and through security with plenty of time to spare. As kaukau stated, just make sure the taxi takes surface streets.

When people are saying that the lines for the Sunday night redeye flights are bad, how "bad" is "bad"?

I'm on the 12:35am AA flight to ORD this Sunday night (really Monday morning). Will getting to the airport at 11pm be fine? (I have no status :( )

I'm used to flying out of Terminal 2 directly to YYZ on AC or WS, which is always a breeze.

I've taken the 1:00 am CO flights out and I usually leave for the airport around 10:30 pm but that's just me. I haven't seen LAS extremely busy during this time but then again, you just never know. Consider an extra 15 mins just for peace of mind.

What is LAS like on a SAT evening, about a 10:30pm departure?

What is LAS like on a SAT evening, about a 10:30pm departure?

In my experience, it is a tomb. No lines.

After 8 pm D gate security is pretty deserted on all (but one) of the sunday's i've travelled (out of 20 in the past 2 years.)
Morning departures on Monday can be a real mess--double ess snaked lines.
But they keep the lines moving rapidly.^

A FC ticket to Las Vegas is the key for avoiding any mess on Sundays, from check in to security. If you're in First, you can easily get from drop off to the gate in under 30 min.

This is one of the main reasons I quit UA, because Ted doesn't help me get through McCarren. Rar.

Unfortunately, I am on Ted leaving next week. My connecting flight from DEN will be in First. I assume that doesn't help with getting through security, but thought I would check here to see if anybody has tried that in the past.

It's been a while since we stayed at the I.P; but FWIW, we used to make a 7:00am Thursday morning departure from LAS, grabbing a cab from Fremont St. around 5:00am. The trick was to NOT take the freeway, as we've seen it backed up even at that early hour, but to take the surface streets: primarily Paradise, straight into the airport. Now we depart on a 2:30am redeye; so traffic isn't even a consideration. Soooooo........

If you get into a cab at the I.P. by 4:30am, and instruct the cabdriver to take you to McCarran via Paradise - NOT the freeway! - you should be more than fine for your 6:20am departure. My route would be: From the I.P.: Left onto Las Vegas Blvd; Left onto Flamingo; Right onto Paradise; straight into McCarran and Terminal 1.No need to get on LV Blvd (even at that time). The back streets behind the IP to Koval are better (and should be the way any honest cab driver takes you).

No need to get on LV Blvd (even at that time). The back streets behind the IP to Koval are better (and should be the way any honest cab driver takes you).

Nice! I like the way you think. I like your inside knowledge!

What are the odds of getting an "honest cab driver" in Vegas, these days?

My guess: 1 in 10.