Bet you will have fun here! (Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS))

Member Name: doyoureally

Product:	Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Date:	18/03/03 (153 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: View on way in/out, Where you are!, No surprises

Disadvantages: Poor shops, Chain Food, Soulless

Nothing compares with your final approach to Las Vegas airport - it is even more stunning at night.


Happy Landings
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If arrival at this airport is your first entry into Las Vegas - then it is certainly consistent with Vegas being unlike anywhere else in the world. I have driven to Vegas from LA & Sand Francisco - but nothing could beat the neon feast that meets your eyes as you approach the runway.

The sheer size of today's strip and the casinos that line takes your breath away.

We flew in on a particularly clear night - the pilot advised us he could see Vegas's lights from about 100 miles out! Some passenger went for a look )pre9/11 steel doors) and confirmed it was clear as a bell.

The setting of several miles of the most illuminated manmade structures set within a vast and almost unpopulated desert landscape presents the kind of view I can imagine might come from a morphine induced dream (not suggesting you try it just trying to convey how surreal it feels.)

As you step of the plane - prepare to see advert after advert for a casino or show. In the background expect to hear a sound that will become very familiar during you time in Vegas - chinking of slot machines. Yes, you do not even need to clear the airport before you can start losing your money. I'm not a gambler, but the guides tell you that the airport slots offer the worst payouts in town - so save your dollars for the casinos.

There are the usual complex shape of airport buildings but eventually you are directed ?


Formalities
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Usual immigration advice applies- don't try to joke with the official unless they joke with you. They have a serious immigration problem in the USA. Immigration and customs are disappointingly mundane.

Baggage collection can be hard work at busy times with many many carousels. More like a UK National Coach station than International airp

ort. But the people watching opportunities are excellent.


Getting Out of the Airport
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From here into Vegas is not so far - the choice is the usual:-

Car Hire - are either via desk at the airport or if pre-booked more often you take a shuttle bus (they run every 10-15 minutes) taking you to an off-airport plot. Here you queue and eventually get in the car. Get them to show you how to get to your hotel on a map they will supply.

However you go -do NOT try to drive along the Strip on a Saturday night - it crawls below walking pace. There are several roads that run fast and parallel. Turn it at the last moment to your chosen casino/hotel. The Strip is great to drive but not when you are orienting yourself with a new car on the wrong side of the road.


Taxi - your driver will probably tell you all the ticks how to get rich, where his cousin is chef that does the best food and check that you don't need a girl?.smile, relax and tip in proportion to how much fun you had on your trip. He will expect a tip. He will not take credit cards and all airport taxis rides incur about $1.20 extra.


Shuttles & Limos - there are a variety of these which offer a bewildering array of fares to take you to your hotel. Ask at airport information for the best one's. It depends how many of you there are as to whether this is cheaper.


Flying Back Out
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There is little remarkable about leaving - check-in is as usual spread all-over the place and it depends who you fly with where you go - but keep asking / reading the signs and eventually you'll get there. I'd like to be more helpful, but it is hard as I don't know your flight number.


Food -there is the usual array of chain based food outlets with no one deserving a special mention. Better to eat a good last "buffet" or better at your casino before getting here if you
ask me.


Shopping - a vast proportion of the shops are simply gift shops for one or other casino -as if you hadn't already bought enough overpriced sweatshirts to wear whilst you clean the car back home. Don't hold any hopes for a fantastic final purchase - much better shops in Vegas itself.

Head for Waterstones and then Starbucks to read you new book if you ask me.

Oh and don't forget you can give all your last dollars to a nice machine that will pretend it might give you more back.


For More Information
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Call the following as you need:-
General Info - (702) 261-5211
Lost & Found - (702) 261-5134
Flight Info - (702) 261-4636
Parking Info - (702) 261-5121


Summary
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McCarran airport is the gateway to heaven or hell depending on your self-control and ability to turn a blind eye to what goes on and have fun your way. As a gateway it is typically soulless and have nothing special to redeem it. They seem to be forever expanding as the casinos expand.

Transport to and from will be busier and more expensive - but I'll do it anyway because Vegas is out of this world.


Finally - TOP TIP
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Oh and my top tip if you fancy a few beers - then gambler or not:-

a) find a casino whose atmosphere you like (not too posh) - say Treasure Island
b) set your selves up at the 5 cent poker machines and try your hand.
c) Keep your eyes open for the girls serving drink (yes lads they are the ones in the outfits!)
d) SMILE and indicate you would like a drink - politely order them keeping your eyes under control and sit and wait
e) eventually she will return with said drinks for FREE!
f) now this is the important point - TIP HER at least a couple of dollars - you want her to come back don't you.
g) repeat at will always SMILING (but don't forget the more you drink th
e worse you gamble so
no crazy ideas about how you can bet big and win enormous (that is why the drinks are free)
h) keep gambling on the 5C machines too

Alternatively - head to the bar and pay maybe $4 per beer!

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