This is a view of the parking garage and McCarran International Airport’s Terminal 3 Saturday, June 2, 2012.
Friday, Dec. 21, 2018 | 2 a.m.
Cycling in and out of McCarran International Airport this holiday season can be frustrating for ill-prepared passengers.
That’s because 1.7 million passengers are expected to fly in and out of the international hub around Christmas and into the new year.
Through time-saving tips, airport officials hope to maintain positive holiday vibes, while averting grievances.
Travelers flying out of Las Vegas should plan on being at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure — longer if they plan to park.
The Know Before You Go campaign calls for travelers to visit mccarran.com for information on TSA guidelines, and shopping and dining options.
Travelers can check airline policies for carry-on and checked baggage and what fees they may incur.
Information on what can and can’t be transported is available at tsa.gov.
Don’t want Christmas gifts to possibly be opened prematurely? Don’t wrap them before security checks.
“While wrapped gifts are not prohibited, if a bag (sets off) alarms, security officers may have to unwrap a gift to take a closer look inside,” airport officials said in a news release.
As always, no one but ticketed passengers is allowed to enter security checkpoints. Authorization from the airline is required to meet an unaccompanied minor or to aid travelers with special needs.
Before the commute to the airport, travelers should know from which terminal their airline flies out.
Information on parking lots, their availability and live updates can be found by calling 702-261-5122.
Those not getting dropped off should prepare to pay for parking. Garages at Terminals 1 and 3 charge up to $16 a day. Valet parking is a few bucks more.
Economy parking at both terminals goes for $10 a day.
Motorists parking at the Terminal 1 economy lot on Kitty Hawk Way, near Tropicana Avenue and Paradise Road, should set aside an additional 30 minutes to shuttle in.
The shuttle only travels to Terminal 1.
Economy parking at Terminal 3 is available on a surface lot, just east of the site’s parking garage.
A pedestrian bridge on the first level, which is within walking distance, provides access to the building. Following signs can lead motorists into the more affordable surface lot.
Not traveling but picking up someone? The Cell Phone Lot, off Kitty Hawk Way, is an ideal short-term waiting area, and it’s free.
Pulling into the passenger pickup area? Columns are numbered, and coordinating with the traveler can ease the pickup process. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Missed the passenger? Short-term parking is available at that garage, and the first 15 minutes are free, but motorists should use the exit-lane reader to redeem the ticket, and not the walk-up kiosks.
