Flying out of Las Vegas during F1 weekend? Give yourself four hours, says airport

Travellers flying out of Las Vegas during Formula 1 weekend later this month are being urged to leave for the airport four hours before their scheduled departure.

Las Vegas is in its final preparations to welcome the world for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 18, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) has released its tips for stress-free travel for what should be a very busy weekend.

The airport, which is a less than 10-minute drive from the Las Vegas strip in normal conditions, says flyers should use what it calls the 4-3-2-1 plan:

• 4 Hours Before Departure: Arrange Transportation to the Airport/Drop Off Rental Car
• 3 Hours Before Departure: Check Your Bags with your Airline
• 2 Hours Before Departure: Get in Line at the Security Checkpoint
• 1 Hour Before Departure: Be at the Gate, Ready to Board

Because LAS is about 3.2 kilometres from the race track, there will be street closures and detours in place that will affect arriving at the airport.

Travellers are being urged to sign up for text alerts related to F1 road closures by texting “F1LV” to 31996.

“If possible, airport roadways should be avoided unless heading to the airport,” the airport says.  “Consider all transportation options to and from the airport; be prepared for rideshare and taxis to be in high demand.”

Harry Reid International adds that concession options will also increase their hours of operations during the Formula 1 weekend.

Tens of thousands expected

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend kicks off on Nov. 15 and is expected to draw tens of thousands of guests to the Strip.

The race weekend is expected to host around 105,000 spectators a day, KTNV Las Vegas reported, with 30,000 expected at the opening ceremony, according to Sky Sports.

Las Vegas previously hosted two Formula 1 races called the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982.

The paddock for this month's race reportedly cost $500 million, and the event is expected to generate $1.2 billion for the state of Nevada.

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