How Do You Change the Name of an Airport?

How do you go about getting the name changed of the airport?

In Las Vegas, at least, first you get a critical mass of public support, then bring the idea to the Clark County Commission.

While the Federal Aviation Administration must sign off on the decision, it’s the county’s call to make. In the case of McCarran International Airport becoming Reid International Airport, 29 pages of letters and other supporting documents were submitted to the Commission, citing certain currently out-of-favor beliefs held by the late U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, for whom the airport was named in 1948.

The actual bankrolling of the name change involved no taxpayer dollars. Commissioner Tick Segerblom stipulated at the February 16, 2021, Commission meeting that all costs were to be borne by private donations. In addition, the LAS shorthand for the airport would have to remain the same.

Reasons for settling on the late Harry Reid as honoree included his role in the evolution of Nevada, his work in crafting the Southern Nevada Public Lands Act, and in creating Red Rock National Conservation Area. No dissent was expressed by the commissioners. As of April 18, 2023, $6.6 million had been donated to cover name-change costs.

Bottom line: You don’t get an airport named after just anyone. There has to be some significant good works, at least according to the current political environment, plus some “juice” involved. Having deep-pocketed supporters doesn’t hurt either.

This will almost certainly come into play for the second southern Nevada airport on the drawing boards, which hasn’t been named yet.

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Comments

CLIFFORD Jul-01-2023

RIP

FORD THUNDERBIRD

rokgpsman Jul-01-2023

Vegas airport

It's still the "Las Vegas Airport" to me and friends. Among other things it avoids a political discussion we don't want to have on vacation. Any federal property can be named and renamed, happens all the time. Even Hoover Dam was renamed, it used to be called Boulder Dam, there was a postage stamp released in its honor back in the 1930's.

Roger Gallizzi Jul-01-2023

Ridiculous Waste of Energy

Harry Reid was no angel.  I expect in 50 years it will be named something else.  But, agreed, a waste of time because it will always be LAS to everyone else.

Henry Jul-01-2023

Thank you LVA

For giving us a straight-forward answer to the question. 

Also agreed with Rokgpsman's comment. Even people like myself who are not obsessed with Reid-hating were unhappy with the new name. Call the airport LAS or Las Vegas Airport. It's easy. 

I don't recall much or any public dissent against the "Reid" name when the name change issue was being discussed for a very long time (a year or more?). Simply whining on Facebook doesn't cut it. You've got to make your voices heard by writing or appearing in person before these gov't commissions. Then again, as the vote for public funding for A's Stadium showed, it's really very easy for NV & Clark County gov to ignore public opinion and shove something through when they want.

Jeff Jul-01-2023

Most significant good work: NO to Yucca Mountain!

In addition to Harry Reid's contributions to Nevada that were cited in the answer, his opposition to the national dump site for nuclear waste (Yucca Mountain) being located just 80 miles from Las Vegas alone deserves the airport being renamed for him.

If it hadn't been for Senator Reid's power and influence as Senate majority leader and his tireless dedication to the safety and welfare of of Las Vegans, Las Vegas would not only be the host for the NFR and F1 but the entire country's radioactive garbage with a half-life of thousands of years.

Thanks, Harry (RIP).

Bob Jul-01-2023

Change

No Love or Hate for either of the Deceased Senators. but it will always be McCarran to me.  Total waste of time and money renaming things

CLIFFORD Jul-01-2023

SALUTE

HAPPY--- CANADA DAY---  bing bang boom

Doc H Jul-01-2023

summary

'There has to be some significant good works, at least according to the current political environment, plus some “juice” involved. Having deep-pocketed supporters doesn’t hurt either. '

I think that sums it up well, especially the bought-sold nature of it all. Though I wouldn't say 'There has to be some significant good works involved' in any shape or form, no matter the 'political environment', as these clowns are suppose to work for the people, not the donors, which they 100% work for. 

Also have to wonder when we'll get to the far left woke lunatic phase of insanity in this nation when they start naming airports and buildings 'they-them' because the left wants to control linguists for power. Perhaps even the word 'gambling' will offend someone soon and be banned for use because it, you know, exploits or offends who knows what.

Welcome to insanity people.

Kevin Lewis Jul-01-2023

Inevitable

I was waiting for someone to babble "woke woke woke woke woke," the conservitard go-to phrase for, well...everything. Doc did not disappoint.

Doc H Jul-01-2023

gray

lewis, in my comment I didn't say 'woke' was or used for 'everything'. Nor do I know what 'conservative' means. I said phrases like 'they-them' are from the control freak side of life(how's that?), who want to ban certain 'offensive' words. And frankly 'they-them' in the context being used in the 'woke' world is improper use of the English language. And you know exactly what I mean that none of us should be surprised when airports like LAS are one day named something that's not deemed 'offensive' to the word woke fascist types. 

btw, you should read historical context on some pretty smart dudes like John Adams who are speaking square at brainwashed 'team' players like yourself:

'There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.'

Mirror time Lewis?

CLIFFORD Jul-01-2023

WHAT THE HELL

IS A WOKE?  2ND TIME ASKING

Doc H Jul-01-2023

woke

Hey Cliff, online dictionaries have your answer in detail. From one source:

'politically liberal (as in matters of racial and social justice) especially in a way that is considered unreasonable or extreme'

Jetpilotrick Jul-02-2023

McCarran Intl

To pilots, it will always be McCarran.

Question of the Day - 01 July 2023

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