Jazmin Li
Harry Reid International Airport is the main airport serving Las Vegas, Nevada. It was renamed in 2021 in honour of former US Senator Harry Reid. The airport is known for its unique features, including slot machines, exhibits from the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, and a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With over 58.4 million passengers in 2024, it is a significant hub for airlines such as Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport has a rich history, previously known as McCarran International Airport, and has appeared in popular culture, including the videogame Fallout: New Vegas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Former name | McCarran International Airport |
| Year renamed to Harry Reid Airport | 2021 |
| Number of terminals | 3 |
| Airlines served | Over 30 |
| Operating base for | Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 58.4 million |
| Destinations | Asia, Europe, and North America |
| Cargo capacity | 100,000 short tons (91,000 t) |
| Parking lot | Yes |
| Helicopter services | Maverick Helicopters and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters |
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What You'll Learn
- Harry Reid Airport was renamed in 2021, previously McCarran International Airport
- The airport is served by over 30 airlines, with international flights to Asia, Europe and North America
- It is one of only two airports in the US with slot machines
- The airport has a parking lot where the public can watch aircraft take off and land
- It is accessible via Paradise Road and Russell Road, and the Harry Reid Airport Connector
Harry Reid Airport was renamed in 2021, previously McCarran International Airport
The official name of the Las Vegas airport is Harry Reid International Airport. Previously, it was called McCarran International Airport, named after U.S. senator Pat McCarran. The airport was rechristened in December 1948, and commercial airlines began operating from the site, which was previously the Las Vegas Army Airfield. The name change to Harry Reid International Airport took place in 2021, honouring Senator Harry Reid.
The airport has a rich history, with passenger numbers increasing steadily over the decades, and it now serves as a base for over 30 airlines, including Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. In 2024, a record-breaking 58.4 million passengers passed through its gates. The airport has international connections to cities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The site has been associated with aviation since 1942 when flight instructor George Crockett built Alamo Field, which occupied the land now home to Harry Reid Airport. The airport has been a pioneer in the common-use approach to airport resources and was the first to use radio-frequency identification of baggage. Terminal 3 was added in 2012, and the airport has unique features such as slot machines, exhibits from the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, and a dedicated terminal for Janet Air flights to secret military installations.
The Harry Reid Airport Connector provides access to the airport from the south, while Paradise Road and Russell Road are the routes from the north. The airport has a large consolidated rental car facility located three miles away, with shuttle buses connecting to the terminals. With its range of facilities, the airport offers a comprehensive travel experience, including dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
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The airport is served by over 30 airlines, with international flights to Asia, Europe and North America
Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is served by over 30 airlines and offers international flights to Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is a hub for several low-cost carriers, including Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, with Southwest becoming its dominant carrier in the 1990s. In 2024, Harry Reid International Airport handled a record-breaking 58.4 million passengers, solidifying its position as a significant aviation gateway to Las Vegas and the surrounding region.
The airport boasts three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the most recent addition in 2012. Travelers passing through can enjoy a range of amenities, including Michelin-starred restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. The airport also provides unique features such as slot machines, exhibits from the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, and a dedicated terminal for Maverick Helicopters and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters for sightseeing flights.
The history of Harry Reid International Airport dates back to 1942 when George Crockett, a flight instructor, established Alamo Field on the site. The airport was renamed in 1948 to honor U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, and it gained prominence in the 1950s as passenger counts surged alongside the development of the Las Vegas Strip. This led to the construction of additional terminals and infrastructure to accommodate the growing aviation demands.
Harry Reid International Airport is conveniently accessible via Paradise Road and Russell Road from the north and the Harry Reid Airport Connector from the Las Vegas Beltway in the south. The airport provides a consolidated rental car facility located three miles away, with shuttle buses connecting it to the terminals. Additionally, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates a public bus system serving the airport, ensuring efficient ground transportation options for passengers and employees alike.
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It is one of only two airports in the US with slot machines
Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is one of only two airports in the United States with slot machines. The airport was renamed in 2021 to honour Senator Harry Reid. It is served by over 30 airlines and acts as a base for several low-cost carriers. In 2024, the airport handled a record-breaking 58.4 million passengers.
The slot machines at Harry Reid International Airport are a unique feature, offering travellers the chance to gamble right within the airport premises. These slot machines are strategically placed in mini-casino areas throughout the terminals, providing a convenient and eye-catching opportunity for passing travellers to try their luck. The games range from classic three-reel slots to more modern and complex video slots, ensuring there is something for everyone.
The airport's slot machines have become iconic, featuring in popular films such as "Ocean's Thirteen" and "The Hangover". They contribute to the larger-than-life image of Las Vegas and have generated significant revenue for the airport. According to MGASC, the company operating the slot machines, the games have brought in approximately $34.4 million in revenue for the airport annually, helping to keep operating costs down and airfares competitive.
While the slot machines at the airport provide an exciting opportunity for travellers, it is important to note that they tend to have lower RTP (Return to Player) rates compared to other casinos in Las Vegas. This is because airport travellers are considered a captive audience, reducing the incentive for operators to offer higher payouts. As a result, it is generally advised not to expect high payouts or spend excessive amounts of money at these slot machines.
In addition to the slot machines, Harry Reid International Airport also houses the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum in Terminal 1 and Concourse D. The museum showcases the history of aviation in southern Nevada, adding an educational and cultural dimension to the airport experience.
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The airport has a parking lot where the public can watch aircraft take off and land
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas was renamed in 2021 in honour of the former senator. It is served by over 30 airlines and acts as a base for several low-cost carriers. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1942 when a flight instructor, George Crockett, built Alamo Field on the site. In 1948, the airport was named for Senator Pat McCarran, and it later became known for being the only airport in the US with slot machines, installed in 1968.
The parking lot is not the only attraction at Harry Reid International Airport. The airport also boasts the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, with exhibits located in Terminal 1 and Concourse D. The museum showcases the history of aviation in southern Nevada, providing an insightful glimpse into the region's aeronautical past. Additionally, the airport provides a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant nightlife, ensuring that travellers have a plethora of choices to enhance their travel experience.
For those arriving by car, the airport offers a consolidated rental car facility located three miles away, with shuttle buses connecting it to the terminals. The airport is also served by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada's public bus system, providing convenient access to those using public transportation. With its focus on accessibility, the airport also offers mobility assistance and nursing suites for travellers who require additional support during their journey.
Harry Reid International Airport caters to a diverse range of travellers, including those seeking entertainment, convenience, or historical insights. The airport's parking lot for plane spotting, along with its other amenities, contributes to a well-rounded and engaging travel experience, solidifying its position as a prominent gateway to the vibrant city of Las Vegas.
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It is accessible via Paradise Road and Russell Road, and the Harry Reid Airport Connector
The Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is accessible by road from the north via Paradise Road and Russell Road. From the south, vehicles can reach the airport via the Harry Reid Airport Connector (RAC), which branches off from the Las Vegas Beltway.
The Harry Reid Airport Connector is a limited-access roadway system located in Paradise, an unincorporated town in the Las Vegas Valley, Clark County, Nevada. It is composed of State Route 171 (SR 171), the Airport Tunnel, and arterial streets, providing vehicular access to the airport's passenger terminals. The roadway system was constructed and opened to traffic in 1994, in conjunction with the completion of I-215 between Interstate 15 and Warm Springs Road.
The Harry Reid Airport Connector begins at an interchange with Interstate 215 (exit 10) in Paradise. From there, the route follows unsigned State Route 171 as it transitions to a below-ground freeway alignment. Curving westward after exiting the north portal, the RAC meets the main terminal grounds with ramps providing access to the terminals from the south. The freeway-grade road ends at a traffic signal on Russell Road.
North of the signal, the connector transitions to a one-way couplet network, with northbound traffic following University Center Drive (formerly Swenson Street) and southbound traffic using Paradise Road. Another set of ramps provides access to the airport terminals from the north. The Harry Reid Airport Connector ends at Tropicana Avenue (SR 593), although the one-way roads continue north for about a mile to Harmon Avenue.
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Frequently asked questions
McCarran International Airport.
2021.
Harry Reid was a Senator.
The airport has three terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and a dedicated terminal for Janet Air flights to secret military installations.
The Las Vegas airport is one of only two airports in the United States with slot machines. Terminal 1 and Concourse D house exhibits of the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, which showcases the history of aviation in Southern Nevada.
