Business Traveler's Guide to Las Vegas Int'l Airport

As a business traveler, you never know where you’ll be spending your next layover. While some layovers feel endlessly boring, consider yourself lucky if you have an extended stop at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

The airport is full of amenities like lounges, a fitness area, and even slot machines. If you have to spend hours between flights, you might as well make the most of it. With our guide to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, those spare hours will pass by in the blink of an eye.

Las Vegas Airport Lounges

For a comfortable place to spend your layover, you have your choice of three Las Vegas airport lounges. Two of the lounges are members only, but the third lounge is accessible to anyone who purchases a pass. Lounges are the perfect solution for the traveler who’s tired of fighting for space in the main concourses and wants a taste of luxury. All of the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas lounges include conveniences like complimentary drinks, WiFi, and more.

Centurion Lounge

Located in Concourse D, the Centurion Lounge is available for American Express cardholders. Access to the lounge is complimentary for those with global Platinum Cards or Centurion Members. All other cardholders can purchase lounge passes for $50, which unlocks a host of perks.

The Centurion Lounge includes a shower suite, semi-private workspaces, a conference room, flat screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, a computer bar, and printing and fax services. The food menu in the lounge was developed by Cédric Vongerichten, who was named one of Zagat’s top 30 chefs under 30. If you fancy a cocktail, sample a libation developed by mixologist Jim Meehan. For those who prefer wine, the lounge offers a wine list curated by wine authority Anthony Giglio.

United Club Lounge

With a United Club Membership, you have access to the United Club Lounge in Concourse D. The United Club includes amenities like high-speed WiFi, printer services, access to United customer service agents, private phone booths, and showers. To help satiate hungry travelers, complimentary light snacks are offered, as well as a complimentary bar service.

The Club at LAS

Not an American Express or United Club member? Check out the The Club at LAS, with locations in Concourse D and Concourse E. Day passes can be purchased for $40 online or in-person. With a day pass, you’ll have access to high-speed WiFi, computer stations, printers, periodicals, showers, and spacious seating. Guests are also offered free snacks and beverages, including wine, beer, and liquor.

Grab a Bite Between Flights

If Las Vegas airport lounges aren’t quite to your taste, there are plenty of other dining options in the airport. Depending on what gate your flight departs from, you have a variety of options. Most are places to grab a quick bite, but there are also several leisurely restaurant options in each concourse.

• Esplanade:There are a few restaurants outside the terminals themselves. You can grab a quick meal or coffee at Starbucks or Wendy’s. There are also two full-service bars: the Bud 29 Track Lounge and The Layover Bar, which features margaritas and Bloody Marys.

• Terminal 1, A Gates: For a quick meal or snack you can take to go, choose from Burger King, Cinnabon, Flatbreadz, Freshens Frozen Smoothie Co., Moe’s Southwest Grill, PretzelMaker, Starbucks Coffee, and Vienna Beef. Your other option is The B Lounge, which offers fast, casual food and drinks.

• Terminal 1, B Gates: Your fast food options here include 360° Gourmet Burritos, Burger King, Cinnabon, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Flatbreadz, Fresh Attractions, The Great Steak & Potato Co., Mrs. Fields, PGA Tour Grill, Port of Subs, PretzelMaker, Starbucks Coffee, TCBY, and Vienna Beef. If you’re looking for drinks, check out Red Star Lounge or the Stella Artois Bar.

• Terminal 1, C Gates: Casual meal choices in Concourse C include Auntie Anne’s, Brookwood Farms BBQ, Burger King, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Fresh Attractions, Fresh Market on the Go, Jamba Juice, Jersey Mike’s Subs, LAS MKT, Nathan’s Famous, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Starbucks Coffee, Tequileria Grille, The Great American Bagel & Bakery, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen, and Wendy’s.

For bars, choose between Barney’s Lounge, Corcoran’s Irish Pub, Crafted Bar, Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Lucky Streak Lounge, or Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill.

• Terminal 1, D Gates: Your options for quick meals and snacks are Auntie Anne’s, Baja Fresh Express, Burger King, California Pizza Kitchen, Cinnabon, Great American Bagel, Jamba Juice, Mrs. Field’s, Port of Subs, Quiznos Subs, Red Mango, Starbucks Coffee, TCBY, and Wolfgang Puck Express.

You can also visit several sit-down restaurants like Burke in the Box, Chili’s, Metro Pizza, Rachel’s Kitchen, Ruby’s Dinette, or Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza and Grill. For bars, hit up the Stella Artois Bar.

• Terminal 3, E Gates: Choose from fast food options like Burger King, Carl’s Jr., Ciao Gourmet Market, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, The Local, Pei Wei Asian Diner, and Starbucks Coffee. For something more relaxed, opt for sit-down restaurants like La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe, Las Vegas ChopHouse & Brewery, PGA Tour Grill, or The Village Pub.

Most of the fare in McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is basic. If you’re looking for a fancier meal, consider renting a car and making the quick drive to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. There, you’ll find plenty of high-end meal options like The Capital Grille, Picasso, and StripSteak.

Activities for Everyone

While you’re in Las Vegas, you might be looking to get the Sin City experience. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is outfitted with dozens of slot machines, so travelers can partake in the city’s favorite past time while they wait for their flight.

There’s more to do than just gamble, however. The airport features free access to the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, which celebrates the story of aviation in Southern Nevada. The main exhibit is located in Terminal 1 on Level 2. Other exhibits are located along the moving walkways in Concourse C.

For the artistically inclined, the airport is home to a wide variety of art. Highlights include "Triptych Passages" by Harold Bradford, located in Concourse D near gate D-26, and

"Miraré" by Stu Schechter, located in Terminal 3 on Level 2. Since the collections change occasionally, it’s best to check the full list on the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas’s website.

Shopping the Airport

Having a few hours to kill in the airport makes for some great shopping time. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas has a wide variety of retailers to satisfy your tastes. Looking for makeup or personal care items? Check out Benefit Cosmetics, Glow! On the Go, MAC Cosmetics, and Jouvence Éternelle - Helenere. The airport’s fashion retailers include Apricot Lane Boutique, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Marshall Rousso, and Victoria’s Secret.

For electronics, visit Best Buy, AT&T, Bose, Accessories 4 Wireless, or Tech on the Go. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from Las Vegas, the airport has several retailers that fit the bill. Try stopping into Brighton Collectibles, Harley-Davidson, PGA Tour Shop, Interluxe, Poker Face, Rebel Sports Vegas, The Blvd, or Turquoise Dreams.

Where to Stay Overnight

If you find yourself with an overnight layover at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, skip sleeping in the terminal. With all of the famous Las Vegas hotels right next door, why not spring for a little luxury? The Venetian, Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Treasure Island are just a short drive from the airport. If you have one night in Vegas, you might as well live it up!

These famous hotels are known for their casinos, nightclubs, and fine dining, which makes them a must for travelers looking to squeeze in a little pleasure with business.

If you do want to stay closer to the airport, there are several hotels nearby. The Best Western McCarran Inn, Travelodge Las Vegas North, Hyatt Place Las Vegas, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Las Vegas Airport are all a short 5-minute drive from the airport.

To make getting around Las Vegas easy, be sure to rent a vehicle from Airport Van Rentals. Renting an automobile means that you’re not beholden to the inconvenient schedules of public transport. Instead, you can just hop in your vehicle whenever you need to, which means you needn’t stress about missing your flight.