Las Vegas Airport 101: A guide to the lounges at LAS
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) is located minutes from the strip and is five miles south of downtown Las Vegas. It is the ninth busiest airport in the United States, serving over 51 million passengers in 2019. It serves as a focus city for Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest and Spirit.
LAS is divided into two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 solely serves domestic flights and houses concourses A, B, C and D while Terminal 3 serves both domestic and international flights and houses concourses D and E. Although the airports are housed in separate buildings, you can easily connect between the terminals and the satellite D concourse using an automated people mover.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news!
Whether you're arriving, departing or transferring you can always find something to do at McCarran. The most iconic novelty of the airport is the slot machines which you can play throughout the terminals. However, if gambling isn't your cup of tea and you prefer something on the quieter side, LAS offers an array of lounges from the USO Lounge to the luxurious Centurion Lounge. Note that some lounge amenities may be unavailable or modified due to COVID-19.
Terminal 1
The Centurion Lounge
Location: Concourse D level 2, across from Gate D1
Hours: 5 a.m. — 11 p.m.
Access: The Centurion Lounge is complimentary for American Express cardholders with a Centurion or Platinum-branded card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and just got a refresh. To access The Centurion Lounge, the cardmember must present the lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and a government-issued ID.
Amenities: Complimentary hot and cold foods, full bar, business center, conference space, family room, speedy Wi-Fi, shower suites and semi-private workspaces.
Check out TPG’s full review of the lounge.
The Club at LAS (terminal 1)
Location: Concourse D level 2, next to gate D33
Hours: 5 a.m. — 12:30 a.m.
Access: A three-hour pass can be purchased for $40 per traveler. Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and Diners Club memberships will also get you in.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks, full bar, showers, Wi-Fi and lots of power outlets.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
USO Lounge
Location: Level 2, in the esplanade before security, next to the lost and found
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Access: Current active-duty, Guard, Reserve, or dependent ID card. Military retiree ID cards are also accepted if space is available. VA-issued ID cards or driver’s licenses with “Veteran” shown on the card do not fall into the above categories.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, business center, gaming consoles, children's play area, screening room and quiet room.
Related: The best travel perks and discounts for members of the military
Terminal 3
USO Lounge
Location: Concourse E, landside, in the baggage claim area between carousels 20 and 21
Hours: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m, closed on the weekends
Access: Current active-duty, Guard, Reserve or dependent ID card. Military retiree ID cards are also accepted if space is available. VA-issued ID cards or driver’s licenses with “Veteran” shown on the card do not fall into the above categories.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks, gaming console, business center and Wi-Fi.
Related: The best credit cards for active duty military
United Club
Location: Concourse D Level 2, between gates 33 and 35
Hours: 4:30 a.m. — 12:30 a.m.
Access: United Premier Gold elites and up traveling internationally, Star Alliance Gold members, premium-cabin passengers who are connecting to or from qualifying international or premium transcontinental United- or Star Alliance-operated flights, United Club members and day passholders. You can get a complimentary United Club membership through the United Club Infinite Card from Chase. You can also get two annual, one-time United Club passes through the United Explorer Card or the United Business Card.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks, business center and Wi-Fi.
Related: The ultimate guide to United Club access
The Club at LAS (terminal 3)
Location: Concourse E level 2, across gate E2
Hours: 5 a.m. — 12 a.m.
Access: A three-hour pass can be purchased for $40 per traveler. Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and Diners Club memberships will also get you in. You also get access to this lounge with an eligible business or first-class ticket on these airlines: British Airways, El Al, Virgin Atlantic, Condor, Korean Air, Aeromexico and KLM.
Amenities: Complimentary snacks, full bar, showers, Wi-Fi and power outlets near many seats.
Bottom line
Although terminal 1 and terminal 3 have the same number of lounges, those found in terminal 1 are superior. Although it might get crowded at times, the Amex Centurion Lounge provides the most elegant pre-flight experience and is easily accessible. Terminal 1’s The Club is also bigger and offers a greater food selection than the one in terminal 3. Fortunately, since the entire airport is connected airside you can easily visit a lounge in a different concourse than you’re flying out of without reclearing security. Aside from the USO Clubs, all lounges at LAS are easily accessible with the right credit cards so if you’re a Vegas-based flyer it might be time to reconsider what’s in your wallet.
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski
Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy