ShvTraveler

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

UpgradeMe

How can anyone possibly answer this question when you have provided no details regarding your flights?

ShvTraveler

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

Bradford

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!

Gaucho100K

Gamble...

afrugal1

Took the word right out of my mouth!

UNITED959

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.

Seat1A

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...)

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.

Goin-2-AA

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....!!

Always Travel Ready

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.

tcook052

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...

dionnec123

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!

CLTFlyer

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.

Tokyorich

I think Circus Circus is smoke free.

The Forum shop are open late.

You can find some good late night specials on food.