The first thing to consider during a flight delay or layover is the lay of the land. The Las Vegas Airport (McCarran
International Airport) has a central Esplanade area, and four
separate “Gates” (A-D) and a “Terminal 2”. Most of the major
American Airlines fly from Gates A-D. The widest variety of dining
and beverage options are on Gate D, so you may consider heading over
there if you have a long flight delay or layover if your flight is on another
Gate.
Learn about aviation. Check out
the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum. Stroll through exhibits about
the history of aviation in Southern Nevada. The main exhibit is
located in the Esplanade, Terminal 1 Level 2, with additional
displays throughout the Las Vegas Airport.
Work out. McCarran International
Airport has a health club within in, 24 Hour Fitness, so if you want
to get in a workout during your flight delay or layover in Las Vegas, you are in
luck. According the company website, this club's hours may not be 24
hours on weekends. Call the club to confirm hours or for details:
702/261-3971.
Saturday: 6am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Monday 5am through Friday 11pm
Holiday hours may vary
Located in the Esplanade (Terminal 1,
Level2)
Win Money. Of
course, it wouldn't be Vegas if they didn't give you another chance
to strike it rich! Maybe you should look at your flight delay or layover as an
omen, or suggestion from the Powers That Be to try your luck one more
time. There are slot machines located throughout terminals 1 &
2.
Let the kids
burn off some energy. Flight delays and layovers can be tough on kids, and
they may not really enjoy (or be allowed to enjoy) Vegas' other
amenities. A kid's play area is available in the D gates area.
Maybe that will stop them from using the back of the seat in front of
them as a punching bag while they are on the plane.
Have a drink.
Considering this is Las Vegas, why not! If you are looking for a place
that's has a little room to spread out to enjoy your beverage, you
may want to check out the Budweiser Brew House, located on
Gate A (at the “branch point” between it's two concourses, and
not all that long a walk from Gate B), or the Gordon Biersch
Brewing Company located on Gate D. If you are not flying on one
of the airlines at D gate, you'll need to take the tram out there, so
leave a little extra time, but if you have a long flight delay or layover, it
may be worth it. We haven't personally tried the options on Gate C,
but Corcoran's Irish Pub sounds like it has potential. If none
of these strike your fancy, there are a number of other bars to
choose from (although not as many as you might expect).
Grab a cup o' joe or a pastry. At the Las Vegas McCarren International Airport there is, of course, a Starbucks and Cinnabon at all
the Gates, as well as a Starbucks in the Esplanade, and
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Gate C.
Have some food,
fast. There are all the usual suspects found at most airports,
as well as a Wolfgang Puck Express at Gate A,B,C & D; Jody
Maroni's Sausage Kingdom on Gate D, and Ruby's Dinette on
Gate D, to name a few that you may want to try for something a little
different.
Explore Las Vegas.
Do this one with caution and only if you have ample time. Even though
the Strip is “just over there”, there can often be very long
security checkpoint lines at McCarran International Airport, and
getting to and from the airport can also be fraught with delays, as
getting a taxi from, and sometimes to, the airport can also take
considerable time, and there can also often be traffic on the Strip.
So think twice, and make sure you have the time and a contingency
plan if you miss your flight!
These suggestions
should help you survive, and maybe even enjoy, your flight delays and layovers at
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Please share any of your own suggestions or comments with us!
Remember, if you
eXpect delaYs, you can beat them!
Happy Travels!
-Gus
