You’re staring at your boarding pass. There it is. LAS.
It’s simple. It’s iconic. But honestly, if you’re trying to figure out what the Las Vegas airport code is, you’re probably just making sure you’re headed to the right desert neon playground and not, say, Las Cruces or Las Palmas. It happens. People get confused. But the story behind those three letters—and why the airport doesn't go by its old name anymore—is actually kind of a wild ride through Nevada politics and massive infrastructure shifts.
The Three Letters That Define Your Vacation
Basically, the Las Vegas airport code is LAS. It’s the IATA (International Air Transport Association) identifier for Harry Reid International Airport. If you’ve lived in Vegas for a while or visited ten years ago, you might still call it McCarran. Most locals still do. Habits die hard. But officially, as of late 2021, the name on the front of the building changed, even if the three-letter code stayed exactly the same.
Why does it matter? Because LAS is one of the busiest hubs in the entire world. We aren't just talking about a few domestic hops. We’re talking about over 57 million passengers in a single year. That’s a lot of people losing money at the gate-side slot machines before they even hit the baggage claim.
The Name Change Drama You Probably Missed
For decades, it was McCarran International Airport. Pat McCarran was a massive figure in Nevada history—a U.S. Senator who basically helped build the modern aviation industry. But he also had a pretty dark legacy, including well-documented records of antisemitism and xenophobia.
The push to rename the airport gathered steam for years. It wasn't just a sudden whim. It took a massive effort from local leaders and the Clark County Commission to transition to Harry Reid International Airport, honoring the long-serving Senate Majority Leader who passed away shortly after the renaming process began.
The interesting part? Changing a name is incredibly expensive. We’re talking about millions of dollars for new signage, digital updates, and rebranding. But throughout all that political maneuvering and physical remodeling, the Las Vegas airport code remained LAS. Those three letters are permanent. They are the digital DNA of the airport in every flight booking system from London to Tokyo.
Navigating LAS Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re flying into LAS, you need to know that this place is a bit of a maze. It’s not like those tiny regional airports where you walk off the plane and see the exit. LAS is split into two main terminal buildings: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
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Wait. Where is Terminal 2?
It’s gone. Literally. They demolished it years ago. So, if you’re a first-timer, don't go looking for it.
Terminal 1 is where you’ll find most of the domestic heavy hitters like Southwest Airlines. Southwest owns a massive chunk of the gate space here. If you’re flying a low-cost carrier or an international flight—think British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or Condor—you’re likely heading to Terminal 3.
The tricky bit is that these terminals aren’t connected by a walkway. You can’t just stroll from one to the other. You have to hop on a shuttle bus if you end up at the wrong one. And believe me, seeing the "Wrong Terminal" realization hit a traveler’s face five minutes before boarding is a Vegas tragedy.
Slot Machines and Sensory Overload
The second you step off a plane at LAS, you hear it. The chiming. The electronic warbling. The "Wheel! Of! Fortune!" shouts.
Las Vegas is one of only two airports in the United States that has gambling inside the terminal (Reno-Tahoe is the other). There are over 1,400 slot machines scattered throughout the gates. Does anyone actually win? Occasionally. In 2023, a traveler reportedly hit a $1.3 million jackpot on a Wheel of Fortune machine in Terminal 1.
But for most people, those machines are just a way to kill time during a delay. Just a heads-up: the payout percentages at the airport are notoriously lower than what you’ll find on the actual Strip. It’s a convenience fee in the form of a gamble.
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The Secret "Janet" Airlines
While you’re looking out the window at the LAS runways, you might see some plain white planes with a single red stripe down the side. No logos. No tail numbers that make sense.
That’s "Janet."
It’s a semi-secret airline operated for the Department of the Air Force. They transport employees from the Las Vegas airport code hub out to Area 51 and the Nevada Test Site. It’s one of those "hidden in plain sight" things that makes LAS one of the most unique airports in the world. You’re sitting there waiting for your flight to Omaha, and right next to you, a plane is taking off for a top-secret government facility.
Logistics: Getting from LAS to the Strip
So you’ve landed. You’ve grabbed your bags. Now what?
A lot of people think the Strip is right there. And it is! You can see the Luxor pyramid and the Mandalay Bay gold windows from the tarmac. But don't try to walk. People try it every year, and it’s a disaster involving heatstroke and highway overpasses.
- Rideshare: Uber and Lyft have dedicated floors in the parking garages. Follow the signs. Don't look for them at the taxi curb.
- Taxis: Vegas taxis use a "flat rate" system for trips from the airport to the Strip zones. It’s actually pretty fair now. It prevents "long-hauling," which was a huge problem where drivers would take the tunnel (the long way) to run up the meter.
- The RTC Bus: If you’re on a budget, the 108 or the CX (Centennial Express) can get you downtown or to the Strip for a few bucks. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Why the LAS Code is Expanding
The crazy thing about the Las Vegas airport code is that LAS is reaching its limit. Between the mountains and the city, there’s only so much room to grow.
There’s already talk about a second major airport—the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. It would be located in the Ivanpah Valley, way south of the city. If that happens, we might see a brand new airport code enter the Nevada lexicon. But for now, LAS is the king.
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Pro-Tips for the Frequent Traveler
If you’re flying out on a Sunday or Monday morning, God help you. That’s when the entire city tries to leave at once.
- TSA PreCheck is mandatory. If you don't have it, the lines at LAS can legitimately take an hour.
- Clear is also huge here. Because Vegas is a tech and convention hub, a lot of people have PreCheck, which makes the PreCheck line long. Clear helps you skip even that.
- The Centurion Lounge. If you have an Amex Platinum, the lounge in Concourse D is great, but it’s almost always at capacity. Get on the waitlist via the app before you even clear security.
- Terminal 3 Food. It’s generally better and less crowded than Terminal 1. If you have time and are in the D gates (which connect to both), head toward the T3 side for a quieter meal.
A Quick Word on the "Other" Las Vegas Airport
Don't confuse LAS with VGT.
VGT is North Las Vegas Airport. It’s mostly for general aviation and small private planes. If you book a tour to the Grand Canyon, you might depart from there or from Henderson (HND). But for your main commercial flight? It’s always going to be the Las Vegas airport code LAS.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Stop stressing about the logistics and just prepare. Check your terminal ahead of time because the airline split at LAS is weird. Southwest and Allegiant are the big dogs at Terminal 1, while almost everyone else—especially the international carriers—hangs out at Terminal 3.
Download the Harry Reid International Airport app or just keep a tab open for their official flight tracker. The gate changes here are frequent because of the sheer volume of flights.
Finally, if you’re looking to save money, avoid the airport "Welcome to Las Vegas" shops. The same t-shirt is half the price at a CVS on the Strip. Use that extra cash for a decent meal at some of the better airport spots like Village Pub or even the Shake Shack in Terminal 1.
LAS is chaotic, loud, and smells slightly like floor wax and desperation, but it’s arguably the most efficient way to start a weekend you probably won't remember. Pack light, keep your ID handy, and remember that those slot machines are mostly there for decoration. Safe travels.
Next Steps for Your LAS Arrival:
- Check the "Flat Rate" taxi zone map before exiting to ensure your hotel is within the fixed-price boundary.
- Confirm your terminal (T1 or T3) on the airline's mobile app at least three hours before departure to avoid the shuttle bus scramble.
- Verify your gate location once you pass security, as the "D Gates" are accessible from both terminals but require different security checkpoints.