How Much More Capacity Can Reid International Handle?

I read in your Vegas News section that the Harry Reid Airport frequently continues to set passenger records. Therefore, how much more capacity can the airport handle or what are the future plans to handle more capacity?

Without putting a passenger number on it (some say 65 million passengers annually; it’s currently just shy of 53 million), Clark County Aviation Department Director Rosemary Vassiliadis told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Reid International Airport would be maxed out in terms of its capacity in 2030.

Not that this means a new airport will necessarily have to be built. Instead, capacity issues can be ameliorated in part by airlines spreading flights out across the daily schedule rather than bunching most of them in peak times. (Passengers might appreciate that, too.)

That may be a hard sell. So may convincing large carriers to upgrade their air fleets to carry more passengers per plane, per Vassiliadis’ urging. Southwest and Alaska are already doing this, which may be half the battle, as Southwest is Las Vegas’ predominant air carrier.

Another item on the Vassiliadis wish list is a new baggage-claim system. Reid International’s is one of the slowest, which the director blames on ancient infrastructure. “This heavily utilized equipment has been in place for nearly two decades. Like any machinery, there is expected wear and tear after years of this volume,” Vassiliadis told Las Vegas Weekly.

The federal government has earmarked $31 million for upgrades at Reid, which the aviation director says will engender “a more seamless experience for the traveler, as their bags are being processed and delivered to them. This will also enhance the reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability of the systems.” Passengers will be appreciative, if Michael Gaughan might not; the South Point owner has run the airport's slot concession for more than 40 years.

Aviation consultant Oliver Lamb tried to put a positive spin on the crunch, telling SimpleFlying.com, “I have to say how phenomenal it is to be in a position where we're even asking these questions, as it’s never a bad problem to have to solve for growth. To have not only recovered pre-pandemic passenger numbers, but exceeded them, is reflective of just how popular Las Vegas is. This level of demand demonstrates not only Las Vegas’ appeal to visitors, but also the airline-friendly environment that Las Vegas has built.”

Since there's no way of enlarging Reid International proper, any discussion of the future inevitably turns to the proposed new airport out near Jean. The good news is that blueprints are finally being drafted and the first phase is projected to open in 2037.

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Comments

Kevin Lewis Dec-29-2023

Already a nightmare

Last time I traveled to Vegas by air, it took a solid two and a half hours to get my bags, claw my way out of the airport, and get a rental car. And it wasn't even all that busy.

So they enlarge the planes to carry a thousand passengers. So maybe they streamline passenger offloading by not actually landing, but flying low and shoving the passengers out. (Parachutes optional, $395 each.) How will they handle the increased people volume? It's not like all the supporting infrastructure--rental car hell, er, buildings, all the connecting roads (Tunnel of Doom), taxi fleets, etc. can or will be upgraded.

Reid airport is going to be a massive bottleneck for decades to come. I used to fly from SFO to LAS until I calculated that driving was actually FASTER, door to door. Airports are hell on earth, and Reid is the seventh circle.

Sandra Ritter Dec-29-2023

I'm a bit confused

There's no mention of what was in Las Vegas News right here two days ago:

Reid International, which turned 75 years old this year, is slated to expand over the next 15 years, according to the Clark County Department of Aviation Airport System Strategic Update, presented a few days ago. The new developments include dividing the terminals into "North" and "South" sections, renaming Terminal 3 as Terminal 2, adding a new terminal, and upgrading Terminal 1. A schedule for Environmental Impact Statements and reviews will be announced soon.  

Isn't adding a terminal expanding the airport? Actually it does say 'it's slated to expand'.  Where would they build Terminal 2? Do they need to reconfigure runways? There's more to this QoD IMO.

Bob Dec-29-2023

Really?

I find LAS easy to navigate,(Ever been to Philly?). last time I flew into LAS the bags hit the Carousell just about the time we got down to Baggage claim, Bus to the Rental car Facility, Keys waiting in the car with the contract on the dash. I'd say we were sitting on the Balcony at the timeshare drinking a cold beer 2 hours after stepping off the plane.  NOW, trying to get into LAS around 4pm when Koval and Paradise are at a standstill... that's another story!

Michael B Dec-29-2023

My luck must start at the airport

I must say that I can't remember a time where I have had a problem flying into and out of LAS. Have never waited too long for my bags. Catching the shuttle over to the rental car facility  is smooth and off I go. No problems dropping off my car and the shuttle back to LAS is fine. I am TSA Precheck so have never had a long line to get through security. I come to Vegas 2x a year. The only down side is that The Club at LAS is over in the terminal that I never use so that sucks. I admit I normally don't fly out first thing in the morning so that may be when it's more congested but I don't dread flying in or out of LAS.

Bob Nelson Dec-29-2023

Slow baggage claim

After waiting for way too long once I just never check a bag going into LAS.  I figured the slot operator tips the handlers to give your luggage the full tour of the airport.

Randall Ward Dec-29-2023

airport

funny I think baggage is fine, I fly in on SW and by the time I get to baggage claim my bag is either there or arrives soon.

Alan Canellis Dec-29-2023

Be Thankful

Some people don't know how good they have it.  I travel for work and Las Vegas is a destination 3-5 times a year, usually for large conventions.  I find LAS to be a breeze compared to DFW, ATL, DEN, ORD, and LGA. Worst part of flying is the people with their "carry-on" luggage!  If the luggage has wheels, it gets checked!!!  Make carry-on just that.

O2bnVegas Dec-29-2023

never a luggage delay at Reid

I've read that several factors affect the speed of the luggage drop.  Taking Sun Country charter (not commercial) trips we joke about being "step children" as far as how long it takes waiting at home airport vs arriving via one of the bigger guys. (The charter companies manage luggage at the hotel destination, put it in your room, etc., so don't know how that goes.)

Kevin has mentioned taking Spirit flights.  Possibly the bigger airlines accomplish faster unloading, etc. than the smaller ones, more staff, etc, though that's just my guess.

I heard that a departure delay can cause a plane to 'lose' their "spot" in the departure line-up, so perhaps they try harder to depart on time.

Candy

John James Dec-29-2023

Be thankful

I’m thankful that Alan is not in charge.
If the luggage fits into the overhead bin it’s carryon.
I just don’t do check in

Frank Nicosia Dec-30-2023

Like many…..

For 30 years of experience it’s a darn good airport. And like others mentioned, try some other airports and you will soon better appreciate LAS.

Question of the Day - 29 December 2023

Comments