Las Vegas Early Arrival and Late Departure Survival Tips & Tricks
If you’ve booked your flights and now realize that you are going to arrive before your hotel’s check-in time or maybe your flight departs significantly after your hotel’s checkout time, you’ll need to figure out what you’re going to do with that extra time. Here are some Las Vegas specific tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time.
Tip #1 – Pay for Early Check-in or Late Check-out
Most hotels will allow you to pay a fee to either check in early or check out late, based on availability. Some loyalty programs even offer this for free as a benefit. Sometimes you’re able to pre-book this benefit, but that’s not always the case as hotels may need to evaluate availability day-of. The check-in time for most hotels in Las Vegas isn’t until 3:00 or 4:00 PM and the average checkout time is 11 AM. Be sure to check with your specific hotel and plan accordingly!
It’s easier to snag an early check-in (sometimes for free!) if you’re flexible with your room view or location.
Tip #2 – Utilize Bell Services
If your room isn’t ready yet, you can pre-check in and leave your bags with at the Bell Desk at nearly every hotel. This can be a good option for two reasons - first, once your room is ready, they will alert you and you can often go straight to your room and use a digital key. Second, you can explore the city or have a meal without dragging your luggage with you. Once you get your room, you can retrieve your luggage from the Bell Desk or have them bring it up to your room.
Keep in mind that it’s customary to tip $1-$2 per bag to the person who handles your bags at the Bell Desk.
Tip #3 – Go to the Spa
If all the guests in your party are over 18, you can book a spa treatment for either the day you arrive or the day you leave. You can hang out in the spa until your room is ready or until you have to go to the airport. We love spa days on our departure days - you can go back home completely relaxed!
Leave your bags with the Bell Desk but take a change of clothes to the spa for after your treatment. You can then put your dirty clothes into your bag after retrieving it from the Bell Desk.
Tip #4 – Pay for an Extra Night
If your flight is super late (after 9 pm) you may want to simply book an extra night - especially if you are traveling with kids or older family members. You can stay at your hotel longer before heading to the airport, and from time to time, flights get delayed or cancelled and this gives you an easy place to go back to if that happens.
Don’t forget to use the day to charge all of your electronics so they are ready for your flight home.
Tip #5 – Checkout the harry Reid airport kids play area
If you’re at the airport and find yourself with extra time, the D Gates Kids Play Area provides children with a chance to burn off energy and use their imaginations. The aviation-themed area includes an interactive mini control tower and mock jet engine, plus five art murals designed by students with the Inner City Games.
While you’re over in the D Gates area, behind the Starbucks on Level 2 (just past the escalators) there is a viewing area with large windows that offers expansive views of the airfield - check it out with the kids before you head back to your gate!
Tip #6 – Use an Airport Lounge
Traveling can be stressful, and waiting around a long time for your flight can increase your stress. There are several airport lounges at Harry Reed International Airport, including American Express Centurion Lounge, The Club, United Club Lounge, and a USO Lounge. A Chase Sapphire Lounge and a Capital One Lounge are also planned for the Las Vegas Airport in the near future.
Airport lounges have a variety of amenities, including food, beverages, wi-fi, charging stations, comfortable seating, and some even have showers. Some of the lounges require a specific credit card, while others offer a paid daily access pass. Many also require travel on a specific airline, so be sure you can access one of these options before heading to the airport early to use one.
For more details, read Nerd Wallet’s Guide to Las Vegas’ Airport Lounges.
Whether you’re arriving early or leaving late, you’ve got some great options to fill your time on your next Vegas family vacation!