Guide to TSA Wait Times at Las Vegas International Airport

Quick insights

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. with multiple security checkpoints.
• Travelers may experience longer TSA wait times during early morning hours and peak travel seasons like holidays.
• Programs like TSA PreCheck^® and CLEAR Plus can help to reduce security wait times at the airport.

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), located just a few miles south of downtown Las Vegas, is a major gateway for both domestic and international flights. It is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., with more than 51 passengers passing through the airport annually.

If you’re one of those passengers, you may be wondering how long you could end up waiting in a security screening line at LAS. Read on to learn the factors that can lead to longer wait times at the airport as well as tips to help expedite the security screening process.

TSA wait times at Harry Reid Airport

The airport has two terminals—Terminal 1 and Terminal 3—with multiple security checkpoints. Terminal 1 houses A, B, C and D gates, while Terminal 3 serves E gates and international flights. The terminals are not connected, so travelers may want to double check their terminal before arriving at LAS.

The hours of operation vary by security checkpoint:

• Terminal 1, A/B Checkpoint: Open from 3:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Terminal 1, C Annex Checkpoint: Open 3:05 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Terminal 1, C/D Checkpoint: Open from 3:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• Terminal 3 Checkpoint: Open from 3:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
• Terminal 3 Innovation Checkpoint: Open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Times are subject to change.

High passenger volumes can lead to longer security wait times, especially during peak travel seasons. Typically, the busiest times at the airport are early mornings—coinciding with business travel—as well as holidays and spring break.

Las Vegas is known for being an entertainment capital, hosting major sporting and music events as well as several conventions and trade shows throughout the year. Traveling through the airport during major events could result in longer wait times at LAS.  

How early to arrive at LAS

For passengers traveling domestically from LAS, the airport’s website recommends passengers arrive 2 hours prior to domestic flights. Passengers on international flights are advised to arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to departure.

Checking wait times at LAS

Travelers can check wait time averages at LAS via the MyTSA app. This mobile app by the TSA provides general wait time estimates for U.S. airports, as well as helpful tips for navigating security screening. However, wait times in the app are averages based on historical data and may not reflect real-time conditions.

There also are third party websites that use historical data and real time traveler updates to provide information about wait times. Airports may occasionally provide updates about security wait times on tehri official social media accounts, especially during peak travel seasons.

Expediting wait times at LAS

LAS airport participates in a few programs that can help to expedite security and screening processes at the airport. They include:

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the TSA. TSA PreCheck status can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access designated security screening lanes. You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and receive approval before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

CLEAR Plus

CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.

CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.

What to do at LAS

Harry Reid International Airport offers a variety of amenities and activities to enhance the travel experience for passengers. True to the spirit of Las Vegas, the airport houses numerous slot machines—available to travelers 21 and over—throughout the terminals.

If you’re not in a gambling mood, other options include:

• Shopping and dining: LAS offers a wide range of shopping options, from luxury brands to local souvenirs. Additionally, there are numerous dining options, including sit-down restaurants, fast food and bars, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
• Lounges: Several airline lounges provide a comfortable and quiet space for passengers to relax before their flights. These lounges often offer complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi, but may require a fee or membership to enter the lounge.
• Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum: This free museum is open 24/7, daily. It displays a wide range of highlights from Southern Nevada’s aviation history, including an aircraft that set the World Endurance Aloft flying record in 1959.
• Airport art: Stroll through either terminal and you’ll likely run into one of the many art pieces in the airport’s collection. Highlights include hanging sculptures of paper airplanes designed by the Clark County School District children and larger-than-life recreations of a desert rattlesnake, horned toad, desert tortoise and desert hare (both found near the D gates).
• Fly Fit!: Want to get your steps in? Fly Fit!, a program endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine, created several walking paths throughout LAS between a half mile to 1.5 miles. This could be a great way to view art or scope out shopping and dining options.

In summary

Travelers arriving at LAS during busy periods could face longer wait times at security checkpoints. TSA wait times can vary due to multiple factors but enrolling in CLEAR Plus and/or TSA PreCheck could expedite the screening process. For those looking to gauge wait times before reaching the airport, the My TSA app provides estimated wait times using historical data, allowing travelers to plan accordingly.