This Southwestern Airport Is Considered One Of The Cheapest To Fly Out Of In America

Las Vegas is the ultimate bucket list destination. From cool restaurants to once-in-a-lifetime concerts and epic pool parties, Sin City has it all. Moreover, Vegas is more than just luxury; it's also an amazing family vacation spot. Another additional perk about Vegas? It's home to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Located less than 20 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, LAS has been around since 1942. Notably, the airport has had three names in its lifetime and, up until 2021, was known as McCarran International Airport. 

With that said, a 2023 study conducted by SmartAsset named LAS the most economical airport in the United States to fly out of. The website, which provides financial advice, reported that the average flight cost in the first fiscal quarter of 2022 was $239.77. Although this price increased to $269.92 in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, LAS remains as affordable as ever.

For example, a brief roundtrip flight from LAS to LAX in Los Angeles can cost travelers as low as $40, while a roundtrip flight to Oakland is less than $65. In many states, that's cheaper than a tank of gas. Likewise, a roundtrip flight from LAS to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey can set back travelers less than $300. However, besides low prices, there are other reasons why LAS is highly acclaimed.

According to AFAR, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. In 2022 alone, LAS had a whopping 52.7 million passengers. This growth is not slowing down anytime soon, as it's believed the airport will outgrow its current facilities by 2030. However, this is what makes flight prices so cost-effective. The more flights leaving Las Vegas, the cheaper their cost will be. This pattern will likely continue as long as tourism in the city skyrockets.

In 2023, LAS came in at number three on J.D. Power's North American Airport Satisfaction Study in their Mega Airport category. This might not be surprising once you learn of LAS' diverse amenities. The airport has a 24-hour aviation museum in Terminal 1 that guests can enjoy. For parents traveling with young children, there is an indoor playground at the D Gates.

Interestingly, LAS has an onsite gym in Terminal 1 – ZEROlevel Fitness. A day pass for travelers costs $25. The gym also offers sleep rooms with a twin bed for individuals who want to rest before their flight. They can be booked for a minimum of two hours for $40.

Gambling is a given in Vegas, and LAS has a plethora of slot machines that can be found throughout the airport's terminals. In July 2023, a passenger won $1.2 million playing on a slot machine in LAS. In September of that year, another passenger won $643,435. The slot machines are open to all who are 21 and older.