LAS security insanity...
 

Just a quick FYI for anyone flying to/from LAS. The security situation is out of hand, be prepared... bring a tent and some rations... seen this twice in the past few days...

even for those of you lucky enough to pull an HP FC seat, or hold dual-citizenship (HP Elite), there is no FC/Elite line...

for those of you familiar with the layout, let me draw a picture for you... the security lines extended straight out all the way into the parking garage... thru the corridor w/ the stores, Starbucks, past the walkway above baggage claim, past the elevators... this thing was eternal...

What was the reason for the delays? That's ridiculous.

(Then again, "ridiculous" is a relative term given how absurd all of this is)

For the A-B side (CO, HP) ?

That is usually not as bad as the C-D side (NW and the others). I have been on 2 hour lines there.

Clarification: yes the A & B side.

Reason given for delays: high pax traffic. Increased security measures due to 9/11.

My Reason: seemed to be only (3) lines open.

Vegas has heavy peek traffic due to most of it leisure travel. Depature Sunday afternoon/evening being the worst. Living here I usually fly opposite the traffic patterns and have no problems. Not to mention the quality of the staff; any person without a criminal record working at airport security rather than in a casino probally has something wrong w/ them.

Vegas last Friday night at 8pm...zero security line but a 1.5 hour wait for a CAB. Jeez louise...

Even prior to 9/11, I've found the security 'senors' particularly sensitive at LAS. It has always been one of the few airports where just about anything will set off the metal detectors. That coupled with a scarcity of secuity personnel would make for looooooong lines!

Not sure if you were going to the strip or not, but...

When I arrive at Las Vegas and my destination is a strip hotel/casino, I take Las Vegas Limos from the airport. They operate 6 passenger limos at a fare of $4.25 one way.

From a strip hotel/casino to the airport, I take a cab. Very often I see someone else heading to the cab line who looks non-threatening and like he or she is going to the airport. In those cases, I offer to share a cab.

For all other destinations, I rent a car. Cars rentals are cheap in Las Vegas. Unfortunately I've found the location of rental car lots coupled with high volume to make Las Vegas very inconvenient for car rental.



[This message has been edited by TransWorldOne (edited 03-18-2002).]

Great advice - I've never heard of them, but that's my new ride! Thanks!!!

Even better, if you don't mind spending a little.. Opposite the taxi exit, look for stretch limos (should be signs in windshields).. Never a line, about $30 (+ tip) to any strip hotel, and they have no problem with requests to stop at a grocery/liquor store, In-n-Out Burger (old tradition for us) or just a "cruise" down the strip (esp after the above stops, but waste of time for us!).. Not always the most economical choice, but my kids always love it, and if you're traveling with family or friends, it seats plenty and impresses Vegas newbies!! Always a nice way to arrive..

For some more off-topic advice.

If renting from Avis, take a cab to your hotel and pick up the car the next morning (or whenever) from the Aladdin Avis counter. No airport fees, save a day if you're coming in the night before and staying two nights, and no lines or busses. I walk from Paris/Ballys in the morning.

I still book the return to the airport.

[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 03-18-2002).]

Boy, y'all are full of great tips today http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks for that info. I'm flying to LAS for fun in a couple weeks, with a return on the noon flight to EWR. I'll post a trip report.

Are the check in lines bad as well, or just security?

and Mr. Fish - have to compliment you on your choice of cuisine. In-n-out is simply the best. Whenever we're out west, we always make a trip. Double-double for me. The wife even wanted to go there for her birthday las year while in California.

I'll have to check their website for the Vegas location.

(thats it for the OT stuff)

[This message has been edited by jginnyc (edited 03-18-2002).]

the check-in lines were moderate... I was on an early AM HP flight so it was sorta "peak"... but, since they comped me I was in the Elite line...

I am flying out of LAS to EWR later this week on the noon flight... I'll post how it goes... I sure as hell know I'll be there early enough trying to grab one of the A8 F0 seats http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

then I can go use the useless HP Club *outside* security...