Key Highlights:
- IATA Airport Code: LAS is the official three-letter code used for airline tickets, boarding passes, and baggage tags.
- ICAO Airport Code: KLAS is the four-letter identifier used in aviation operations and flight planning.
- Official Airport Name: Harry Reid International Airport, formerly McCarran International Airport.
- Location: Paradise, Nevada, approximately 3 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
- Airport Terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 serve domestic and international airlines.
- Airport Address: 5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
The official Las Vegas airport code is LAS, which stands for Harry Reid International Airport. This three-letter code appears on airline tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, and flight booking websites. Aviation professionals also use KLAS, the airport’s four-letter ICAO identifier. Previously known as McCarran International Airport, the facility was renamed in December 2021 without changing its airport codes.
Harry Reid International Airport is located in Paradise, Nevada, just south of the Las Vegas Strip. It operates two passenger terminals and serves both domestic and international flights. Here’s what travelers should know about the airport’s codes, location, terminals, and transportation options.
What Is the Las Vegas Airport Code?
Las Vegas has two primary airport identifiers: LAS and KLAS.
| Airport Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Airport Name | Harry Reid International Airport |
| Former Name | McCarran International Airport |
| IATA Code | LAS |
| ICAO Code | KLAS |
| FAA Location Identifier | LAS |
| City Served | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Airport Location | Paradise, Nevada |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time |
| Passenger Terminals | Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 |
| Official Website | harryreidairport.com |
Although the airport’s name changed, its three-letter and four-letter codes remain the same.
What Does LAS Stand for at Las Vegas Airport?
LAS is the airport’s three-letter IATA code, assigned through the international airline coding system.
Travelers will see LAS when booking flights, checking luggage, and tracking arrivals or departures.
For example, a flight traveling from Los Angeles to Las Vegas may display:
LAX → LAS
LAX represents Los Angeles International Airport, while LAS identifies Harry Reid International Airport.
The code does not change depending on which airline or terminal you use.
What Is the KLAS Airport Code?
KLAS is the airport’s four-letter ICAO code.
The International Civil Aviation Organization uses these identifiers for aviation operations, including flight planning and airport identification.
| Code | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| LAS | Passenger bookings and baggage |
| KLAS | Flight planning and aviation operations |
| LAS | FAA airport identification |
Many airports in the contiguous United States have ICAO codes beginning with the letter K.
For ordinary travel bookings, passengers should use LAS rather than KLAS.
Why Was McCarran Airport Renamed?
Harry Reid International Airport was previously called McCarran International Airport.
The airport originally operated as Alamo Field before being renamed in honor of Nevada Senator Pat McCarran.
On December 14, 2021, the airport officially became Harry Reid International Airport.
The new name honors Harry Reid, the former U.S. Senate majority leader who represented Nevada for decades.
The renaming did not change the airport’s location, terminals, or flight codes.
Travelers may still encounter the McCarran name on older maps, travel websites, and historical references.
Where Is LAS Airport Located?
Harry Reid International Airport is located at:
5757 Wayne Newton Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119
The airport sits in Paradise, an unincorporated area of Clark County.
It is approximately 2–3 miles from the southern Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for visitors staying near Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and MGM Grand.
Travel times vary depending on the hotel and traffic.
| Destination | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|
| Mandalay Bay | 10–15 Minutes |
| MGM Grand | 10–15 Minutes |
| Bellagio | 15–25 Minutes |
| Caesars Palace | 15–25 Minutes |
| Downtown Las Vegas | 20–30 Minutes |
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed travel times.
Las Vegas Airport Terminals: Terminal 1 vs. Terminal 3
Harry Reid International Airport has two passenger terminals.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 serves several domestic airlines, including Southwest, American, Delta, and Allegiant.
It provides access to the A, B, C, and D gates.
The D gates are reached using the airport’s automated tram system.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 handles international flights and several domestic airlines.
Airlines using this terminal include United, Alaska, JetBlue, Frontier, and international carriers.
Terminal 3 provides access to the E gates and D gates through its tram connection.
Important: The terminals are not connected by a public pedestrian walkway. Check your airline’s terminal before traveling to the airport.
Las Vegas Airport Tram System
LAS operates an automated tram system connecting terminals with satellite gates.
| Tram Line | Route |
|---|---|
| Green Line | Terminal 1 to C Gates |
| Blue Line | Terminal 1 to D Gates |
| Red Line | Terminal 3 to D Gates |
Travelers who arrive at the wrong terminal can use the free inter-terminal shuttle outside security.
The shuttle operates approximately every 20–30 minutes.
How Early Should You Arrive at LAS?
The airport recommends allowing sufficient time for baggage check-in and security.
| Flight Type | Recommended Arrival |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | 2 Hours Early |
| International Flights | 3 Hours Early |
Security lines can be longer during holidays, major conventions, and busy travel weekends.
Check flight status and TSA checkpoint information before departing for the airport.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas airport code is LAS for passenger travel and KLAS for aviation operations. Both codes identify Harry Reid International Airport, formerly McCarran International Airport. The airport is located in Paradise, Nevada, just south of the Las Vegas Strip. It operates Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with different airlines and pickup locations at each building. Before traveling, confirm your terminal, check flight information, and review transportation options to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the three-letter airport code for Las Vegas?
The official three-letter IATA airport code for Las Vegas is LAS.
What is the four-letter code for Las Vegas Airport?
KLAS is the official ICAO code for Harry Reid International Airport.
Are LAS and McCarran Airport the same?
Yes. McCarran International Airport was renamed Harry Reid International Airport on December 14, 2021. The LAS airport code did not change.
Does Las Vegas have two airports?
Las Vegas has one main commercial passenger airport, Harry Reid International Airport. Other facilities, including North Las Vegas Airport and Henderson Executive Airport, primarily serve general aviation.
How far is LAS Airport from the Las Vegas Strip?
Harry Reid International Airport is approximately 2–3 miles from the southern Strip. Travel to major casino resorts generally takes around 10–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is the Las Vegas airport code LAX or LAS?
LAS is the correct code for Las Vegas. LAX is the airport code for Los Angeles International Airport.
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