The Transportation Security Administration is testing new self-screening checkpoint lanes at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, offering passengers a smoother process with shorter wait times and reduced interaction with TSA officers. The trial, available only to TSA PreCheck flyers, aims to minimize manual searches and pat-downs while cutting down on the number of staff required. The agency hopes to expand the trial to other airports, but some critics question the effectiveness of the prior two decades of security theater and the timing of these changes.
Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport is testing a new self-service screening lane that could revolutionize airport security, allowing passengers to go through security with minimal contact. The lane features multiple sensors and a virtual call with a TSA agent, as well as an all-glass scanner for passengers. While the system is currently being tested and not yet available at other airports, it aims to improve the airport travel experience by reallocating TSA officers to busier aspects of the screening process and providing additional convenience for travelers.
A wind storm in Las Vegas set a new record with wind gusts reaching 68 miles per hour at Harry Reid International Airport, marking the strongest March wind gusts since 1985 and tying for the 14th strongest ever reported in the area. The storm caused power outages, brought down trees and awnings, and created dusty conditions, but recent rain helped keep more dirt down and improved visibility on the roads, according to meteorologist Matt Woods from the National Weather Service in Las Vegas.
High winds in the Las Vegas valley have caused road closures and blocked lanes due to debris and uprooted trees, with a piece of debris flying off the California Hotel leading to street closures, an uprooted tree blocking lanes near Tropicana Avenue and Andover Drive, and several traffic lights out. The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning, and Harry Reid International Airport experienced over 510 delays and 65 cancellations.
Las Vegas experiences heavy traffic as 330,000 Super Bowl fans head home, causing bumper-to-bumper congestion on the roads and making Harry Reid International Airport anticipate its busiest day ever. Airport officials advise travelers to arrive at least three hours early and return rental cars four hours before their flights. A downed light pole on the Las Vegas Strip added to the traffic chaos, and two people died in a motorcycle crash in the southeast Las Vegas Valley.
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has experienced a significant number of flight cancellations and delays due to Hurricane Hilary. As of Saturday evening, there have been 81 cancellations and over 100 delays, with an additional 270 cancellations expected on Sunday. Southwest Airlines accounts for the majority of the cancellations.
More than 130 flights into Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas have been canceled ahead of Hurricane Hilary, with Southwest Airlines canceling over 680 domestic flights. San Diego International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, and Hollywood Burbank Airport have also experienced flight cancellations. The National Weather Service has forecasted heavy rainstorms in the Las Vegas area, with 1 to 2.5 inches of rain expected. Lake Mead National Recreation Area has closed for recreational use until at least Monday.
American Airlines flight 2845 made an emergency landing in Las Vegas due to a bird strike. The flight was headed to Dallas from Salt Lake City. No injuries were reported, and a replacement aircraft was scheduled to leave Las Vegas later in the evening. American Airlines apologized for the travel disruption caused to its customers.
Harry Reid International Airport has announced that its on-site parking is at capacity and advises travelers to use the remote lot at Gillespie Street and East Warm Springs Road across from the shuttle for rental car users. From the remote lot, airport users are advised to take the car rental shuttle to terminals. This comes as more than 3 million Americans are expected to travel by air this Memorial Day weekend.
President Joe Biden's motorcade will cause traffic disruptions in Las Vegas on Wednesday as he speaks at UNLV's College of Hospitality on efforts to lower prescription drug prices. The roads that will be closed include Maryland Parkway from Tropicana Avenue to Russell Road and the Airport Connector. Harry Reid International Airport officials recommend travelers arrive three hours before their scheduled flight.
