LAS VEGAS — The desert city is a top choice for travelers during Christmas and is expected to see large numbers of travelers.
According to data from HotelPlanner, Las Vegas is a top destination for Christmas, earning 55% more bookings compared to popular destinations like Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. As one of the busiest travel hubs in the country, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is expected to get even busier. Expect crowded terminals, especially in the early mornings and evenings. To avoid missing your flight during the festive season, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Passengers flying Southwest should be aware that on weekends, the carrier’s terminal is known to move large passenger volumes, which adds an extra 30 minutes to your arrival window. The busiest times of the day are:
- 5 a.m.–9 a.m.
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
Parking lots can also be chaotic this time of year, so travellers are advised to make use of third-party apps like SpotHero for real-time parking lot information. While the airport does have 17,000 parking spaces during the holidays, it’s often at capacity. To avoid the headache of not finding parking, LAS offers a service to book your parking online ahead of your travel dates. Travellers should also be aware of extended wait times of up to 30 minutes for the shuttle service during this busy period.
Travel experts warn travelers who wish to stay clear of peak crowds to avoid traveling the weekend before Christmas and the days immediately after. If possible, flying mid-week can have fewer crowds and better rates. Because Las Vegas is a top holiday destination, expect increased crowds on the Strip throughout the holidays.
