LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — With spring break just around the corner and a partial federal government shutdown still in effect, Harry Reid International Airport is urging Southern Nevada travelers to build in extra time and plan ahead before heading to the airport.
Most Clark County school districts are off March 16–20, a period that traditionally brings a surge in family and leisure travel through LAS.
Airport officials say this year’s rush comes with an added wrinkle: staffing impacts tied to the shutdown could slow security screening and other services.
“At busy times like spring break, a little preparation can make a big difference,” the airport said in a statement, encouraging passengers to arrive earlier than usual and review identification, baggage, and parking plans in advance.
Arrive Early, Check Flights and Pack Smart
LAS is advising the following minimum arrival times:
- At least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights
- At least 3 hours before departure for international flights
Travelers are also urged to:
- Check airline notifications and flight status before leaving for the airport
- Review TSA packing rules, especially for liquids, electronics, and prohibited items, to avoid slowdowns at security checkpoints
REAL ID and ID Verification Fees
With federal identification requirements tightening, the airport is reminding passengers to bring proper ID to avoid delays and added costs.
Travelers who show up without a REAL ID-compliant license or a valid passport will be required by TSA to complete an identity verification process, which comes with a $45 fee and allows travel for a 10-day period. If proper ID is still not obtained after those 10 days, an additional $45 verification fee will be charged for subsequent travel.
Passengers going through this process should expect extra screening and longer processing time.
Extra Steps for Families and Unaccompanied Minors
Families heading out for spring break are being urged to factor in additional time, particularly when children are flying alone.
Airlines have specific rules, fees, and documentation requirements for unaccompanied minors, which can vary by carrier. Parents or guardians should:
- Review their airline’s unaccompanied minor policy in advance
- Arrive early to complete required paperwork and accompany the child through TSA screening, when allowed
- Plan to arrive early at the airport to pick up unaccompanied minors and follow airline procedures at the gate or designated meeting areas
Parking and Pickup Tips
To avoid last-minute stress in airport garages and at the curb, LAS is encouraging drivers to plan parking and pickups before they leave home.
Travelers can:
- Check rates and reserve parking at both terminals via the airport website
- Consider Terminal 3 parking, which typically has more availability, and use the inter-terminal shuttle to reach Terminal 1 — an option that’s especially convenient for those without checked luggage
- Use economy or remote lots, which include free shuttle service to the terminals
For those picking up arriving passengers:
- Use the free cell phone lot on Kitty Hawk Way instead of circling the terminal or waiting at the curb
- Coordinate exact pickup locations using the numbered columns in terminal pickup areas
- Avoid curbside parking, which is prohibited; short-term parking is available, and the first 15 minutes are free
Airport officials say following these guidelines — arriving early, checking documentation, and planning for parking and pickups — can help travelers start their spring break trips with fewer delays, even as the shutdown continues to affect some federal staffing levels.
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