Layover at LAS
June 26th, 2013 at 11:50:08 AM
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So in a couple weeks I'll be taking a flight from LAX to Chicago, with a 2 and 1/2 hour or so layover in Las Vegas (the layover occurring both when I'm traveling to Chicago and on my way back). Although I'm excited to spend some time in Las Vegas (it IS my favorite city) I was curious if I'm allowed to leave the airport and come back or not? Or are you basically imprisoned there and not allowed to leave? If so, what a cruel way to tease me when I want to hit up a casino or two to pass the time!
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
June 26th, 2013 at 11:53:37 AM
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Yes, you can leave. Just make sure you have enough time to get back through security before your plane departs. They aren't going to wait for you if you are late.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
June 26th, 2013 at 11:53:46 AM
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Quote: HotBlondeSo in a couple weeks I'll be taking a flight from LAX to Chicago, with a 2 and 1/2 hour or so layover in Las Vegas (the layover occurring both when I'm traveling to Chicago and on my way back). Although I'm excited to spend some time in Las Vegas (it IS my favorite city) I was curious if I'm allowed to leave the airport and come back or not? Or are you basically imprisoned there and not allowed to leave? If so, what a cruel way to tease me when I want to hit up a casino or two to pass the time!
There are no restrictions as far as I'm aware, but the time is awfully short. I don't think you'll be able to make it to a casino for more than a few minutes of play either way. Keep in mind you have to go through security again.
If you can arrange a longer layover, you should.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 26th, 2013 at 11:55:06 AM
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You can leave and return. The TSA folks at security don't see your whole itinerary, they just see the boarding pass in your hand. So they'll definitely let you back into the airport. Just remember how short 150 minutes is in Vegas and how long it can take to get from the strip through security and into the boarding area.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
June 26th, 2013 at 11:56:19 AM
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They have slots in the airport, knock yourself out..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 26th, 2013 at 11:56:32 AM
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This is GOOD news!!Quote: DRichYes, you can leave. Just make sure you have enough time to get back through security before your plane departs. They aren't going to wait for you if you are late.
Well since my checked bag will stay at the airport (I'm assuming) how long before my flight should I get back to walk through security again with my carry-on?
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
June 26th, 2013 at 12:01:17 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeThis is GOOD news!!
?
I'm sorry, I have to ask. Who in gods name do you
think would be preventing you from leaving? Where
do you think you live? "No miss, we can't allow you
to leave the airport, the airline has kidnapped you."
Your ticket doesn't change its wording when you go
off of airport property.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 26th, 2013 at 12:02:32 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeWell since my checked bag will stay at the airport (I'm assuming) how long before my flight should I get back to walk through security again with my carry-on?
If it's on the same airline, they should transfer your bag to the connecting flight. If not, you may be responsible for checking the bag into the second flight.
I wouldn't feel comfortable getting to security with less than 45 minutes to spare before the posted boarding time. There can be problems in security,a nd you may need to walk a long way to the gate.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 26th, 2013 at 12:05:23 PM
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Quote: Nareed
I wouldn't feel comfortable getting to security with less than 45 minutes to spare before the posted boarding time. .
I certainly wouldn't leave the airport with
that short amount of time involved. It
could be a nightmare getting back in for
your flight. They advise getting there 2
hours early, not leaving with 2 hours to
go, rushing to a casino, and rushing back
with minutes to spare.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 26th, 2013 at 12:11:41 PM
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You have to already have your boarding pass printed or the computers will lock you out of it at 45 minutes.
You can catch a cab at only designated areas in the airport.
You can catch a cab at only designated areas in the airport.
June 26th, 2013 at 12:13:43 PM
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Get a longer layover... or a shorter one if that is your style. Or else think of the airport slot concession as the only man available to you and go for it!
June 26th, 2013 at 12:55:03 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffGet a longer layover... or a shorter one if that is your style. Or else think of the airport slot concession as the only man available to you and go for it!
And the first $40 of betting is free
Regards,
The LONGHAULER cabbie
June 26th, 2013 at 1:37:07 PM
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Are there only just the plain older-version slots at the airport? No progressives? Touch-screens? Video Poker?
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
June 26th, 2013 at 1:46:46 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeSo in a couple weeks I'll be taking a flight from LAX to Chicago, with a 2 and 1/2 hour or so layover in Las Vegas (the layover occurring both when I'm traveling to Chicago and on my way back). Although I'm excited to spend some time in Las Vegas (it IS my favorite city) I was curious if I'm allowed to leave the airport and come back or not? Or are you basically imprisoned there and not allowed to leave? If so, what a cruel way to tease me when I want to hit up a casino or two to pass the time!
Make sure you get both boarding passes in LA, LAX-LAS and LAS-ORD. Normally this would be the case as long as you're all on one ticket (not an itinerary you cobbled together separately somehow). Also make sure when they check you in that they're checking your baggage all the way through; they should do it by default but you'll know by having a claim ticket for use in Chicago. All you should need is your boarding pass and photo i.d. to get back through security, but leave lots of time for that (especially with liquids, shoes, etc). You might also want to check with your carrier about how late you can board if you already have a boarding pass. I don't know if there's a lockout in the computer like there is for getting the boarding pass issued, but if there is, you could find yourself out of luck even if 10 mins early. Good luck!
June 26th, 2013 at 2:00:35 PM
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There's plenty of VP in the airport. I'm not sure on the progressives, though I think Progressive WoF is available.
If you connecting on the same airline, you'll have a boarding pass for the 2nd flight, and that is what Security needs to see when you exit and reenter the airport. 2:30 is a short connection though, at best, you're looking at 30 minutes in a strip casino (go for Tropicana or MGM - they are the closest) before you would have to get back.
If you connecting on the same airline, you'll have a boarding pass for the 2nd flight, and that is what Security needs to see when you exit and reenter the airport. 2:30 is a short connection though, at best, you're looking at 30 minutes in a strip casino (go for Tropicana or MGM - they are the closest) before you would have to get back.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
June 26th, 2013 at 2:03:33 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeAre there only just the plain older-version slots at the airport? No progressives? Touch-screens? Video Poker?
The airport has video slots as well as reel slots and Game King video poker for quarters. They won't have the "newest slot games" though. I also wouldn't recommend gambling heavily either since the airport is notorious for the having some of the tightest slots in the country. Video poker is very rough too; the best game I have seen in recent years is 6/5 Triple Bonus Plus (up to 96.62% return with max bet). The nicest thing about the airport is the default slots are non-smoking. You have to go into a glass enclosed slot area if you want to play and smoke.
Given your layover time though, I probably wouldn't leave the airport.
June 26th, 2013 at 2:09:21 PM
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Oh, my tip for passing a bit faster through security:
Put everything, except shoes, laptop/tablet and cell phone, inside your carry-on bag. By everything I mean whatever's in your pockets, if any, your purse, change, keys, belt, jewelry, etc. That way also you can comfrotably step away from security and find a quiet spot to rearrange your belongings.
There is VP at the airport, but I'm not sure with what kind of pay tables. If you gamble there, though, make sure to stop at least 15 minutes before boarding, as you have to collect your winnings, if any, right there from an attendant.
Put everything, except shoes, laptop/tablet and cell phone, inside your carry-on bag. By everything I mean whatever's in your pockets, if any, your purse, change, keys, belt, jewelry, etc. That way also you can comfrotably step away from security and find a quiet spot to rearrange your belongings.
There is VP at the airport, but I'm not sure with what kind of pay tables. If you gamble there, though, make sure to stop at least 15 minutes before boarding, as you have to collect your winnings, if any, right there from an attendant.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 26th, 2013 at 4:15:54 PM
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Quote: tringlomanethe best game I have seen in recent years is 6/5 Triple Bonus Plus (up to 96.62% return with max bet).
Ouch!
Is that better or worse than no VP at all?
Quote:Given your layover time though, I probably wouldn't leave the airport.
Yeah, I'd be very concerned about that, too.
On the other hand Mandalay Bay and Luxor are relatively close to the airport, and HB gambles at MGM properites (if memory serves). Assuming she finds a cab quickly, has her baording pass and checked bag taken care of, it's doable if you have nerves of steel and an accurate alarm clock handy (it's too easy to lose track of time at the tables).
I'd try for a longer layover, if at all possible. 6 hours would be nice and let one reach any Strip casino.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 26th, 2013 at 4:28:24 PM
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Seriously, you can have a cabbie waiting for you by emailing your flight info and arrival time along with your digits.
Someone like lvcabbie who has been interviewed several times does this. Between email and twitter ... he knows you are arriving and will be at a specific spot. Cabbies know the airport.
Someone like lvcabbie who has been interviewed several times does this. Between email and twitter ... he knows you are arriving and will be at a specific spot. Cabbies know the airport.
June 26th, 2013 at 5:02:00 PM
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Quote: tringlomaneVideo poker is very rough too; the best game I have seen in recent years is 6/5 Triple Bonus Plus (up to 96.62% return with max bet).
I would take the more relaxed approach of playing at the airport, and you might even be able to justify it by expected value. How much 96.62% video poker would you have to play to make up for the $40 round trip cab fare? I think it would take over 900 hands, which would occupy your two hours at the airport.
June 26th, 2013 at 5:14:12 PM
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Quote: ChampagneFireballI would take the more relaxed approach of playing at the airport, and you might even be able to justify it by expected value. How much 96.62% video poker would you have to play to make up for the $40 round trip cab fare? I think it would take over 900 hands, which would occupy your two hours at the airport.
Yep, if you play at a leisurely pace of ~450 hands/hr anyway, which I usually do when I play garbage machines like these. Ironically, playing that game at McCarran is the only time I have ever got back to back quads. Neither were premium, but I'll still take it! If HB had at least one hour more, I could possibly seeing running to Mandalay Bay and the like, but as is, it's gonna be tight for sure.
June 26th, 2013 at 5:24:27 PM
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Its been a long time since I flew into LAS but a couple of things as I remember them:
1. Its a long wait for a taxi to go anywhere. Are you having a casino limo picking you up? Otherwise you could wait a half hour just to get in a cab.
2. The closest "casinos" are about a half hour from the time you depart your plane, assuming you can get a ride or a cab right away. There is traffic getting out of the airport and on local streets.
3. There are slots including video poker at the airport, and some progressives including IGT's Wheel of Fortune at various denominations and the $1 WOF progressive did hit at the airport several years ago.
4. If you happen to hit a hand pay on any slot or VP you might have to wait for a manager to come from another terminal with the W2G. Years ago playing $1 Double Double Bonus I hit quad aces with a kicker for $2,000 and almost missed my flight waiting for the W2G and the cash. No cash without signing the forms. This was at the Southwest terminal.
5. Some of the nearby casinos include Terribles, you are not really close to the Strip.
1. Its a long wait for a taxi to go anywhere. Are you having a casino limo picking you up? Otherwise you could wait a half hour just to get in a cab.
2. The closest "casinos" are about a half hour from the time you depart your plane, assuming you can get a ride or a cab right away. There is traffic getting out of the airport and on local streets.
3. There are slots including video poker at the airport, and some progressives including IGT's Wheel of Fortune at various denominations and the $1 WOF progressive did hit at the airport several years ago.
4. If you happen to hit a hand pay on any slot or VP you might have to wait for a manager to come from another terminal with the W2G. Years ago playing $1 Double Double Bonus I hit quad aces with a kicker for $2,000 and almost missed my flight waiting for the W2G and the cash. No cash without signing the forms. This was at the Southwest terminal.
5. Some of the nearby casinos include Terribles, you are not really close to the Strip.
June 26th, 2013 at 5:28:25 PM
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Quote: AlanMendelsonI hit quad aces with a kicker for $2,000 and almost missed my flight waiting for the W2G and the cash. No cash without signing the forms. This was at the Southwest terminal.
.
My wife hit $1200 at the airport a few years ago.
If you leave with only 2 1/2 hours leeway, it will
be a lesson you never forget. Go for it! You won't
do it twice.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 26th, 2013 at 5:31:52 PM
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LAX to ORD? Go nonstop. There are in excess of 50 no stops a day, many are cheaper if not just a bit more than the stopovers.
June 27th, 2013 at 6:14:33 AM
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I join the camp that says to just suck it up and stay at the airport.
If you're hellbent on leaving, do this:
Time how long it takes to get from the jetway, thru the terminal, to the tram, to the main concourse, out the door to the taxi stand. Along the way, check out the size of the line waiting to get in thru security and the line for taxis.
Then turn around, and go to your departing gate. When you get there, sit at a nearby airport VP machine for the hour or so you've got left.
Yeah, I realize the airport slots are the tightest anywhere in Nevada, but that slight extra cost is far better than the stress of doing what you're attempting.
If you're hellbent on leaving, do this:
Time how long it takes to get from the jetway, thru the terminal, to the tram, to the main concourse, out the door to the taxi stand. Along the way, check out the size of the line waiting to get in thru security and the line for taxis.
Then turn around, and go to your departing gate. When you get there, sit at a nearby airport VP machine for the hour or so you've got left.
Yeah, I realize the airport slots are the tightest anywhere in Nevada, but that slight extra cost is far better than the stress of doing what you're attempting.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 27th, 2013 at 6:43:02 AM
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I would only leave the airport with a 2 1/2 hour layover to make a sports bet, which I can't do anywhere else. Everything else you can do in Chicago 15 minutes after you land in ORD!!!!
June 27th, 2013 at 8:00:35 AM
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One funny story... years ago I sat waiting for a Southwest plane with two couples who were talking about their friends -- another couple -- who apparently came to LV with $10,000 and were determined not to leave until they "hit it big." Their weekend was over but they hadn't given up. With only minutes to go before boarding time they were still in one of the "smoking room slot areas" (do they still have these?) and one of the gals was running back and forth giving "progress reports" about how this other couple "just hit for $600" or "just hit for $200" or "they're back to $6,000."
So this is when I got into a discussion with one of the guys who told me that this other couple came with ten grand.
So boarding begins... I got on the plane... the other two couples got on the plane... and the plane departed.
Of course I never found out what happened with the couple left behind in the "smoking slot area" and whenever I flew into Vegas after that I always glanced over at the "smoking slot area" in the Southwest terminal wondering if I would see a couple desperately playing....
So this is when I got into a discussion with one of the guys who told me that this other couple came with ten grand.
So boarding begins... I got on the plane... the other two couples got on the plane... and the plane departed.
Of course I never found out what happened with the couple left behind in the "smoking slot area" and whenever I flew into Vegas after that I always glanced over at the "smoking slot area" in the Southwest terminal wondering if I would see a couple desperately playing....
June 27th, 2013 at 8:09:24 AM
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Quote: AlanMendelsonOf course I never found out what happened with the couple left behind in the "smoking slot area" and whenever I flew into Vegas after that I always glanced over at the "smoking slot area" in the Southwest terminal wondering if I would see a couple desperately playing....
Maybe late at night when the airport is half-dormant, the ghosts of a couple can be seen desperately playing slots, hoping to hit it big so their souls can finally board the plane and rest.
Spooky ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 27th, 2013 at 12:59:25 PM
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Actually late at night is one of the busiest times at McCarran, as many planes depart eastward a bit before and after the midnight witching hour.Quote: NareedMaybe late at night when the airport is half-dormant, the ghosts of a couple can be seen desperately playing slots, hoping to hit it big so their souls can finally board the plane and rest. Spooky ;)
June 27th, 2013 at 1:36:39 PM
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Quote: SanchoPanzaActually late at night is one of the busiest times at McCarran, as many planes depart eastward a bit before and after the midnight witching hour.
Oh well...
Still, midnight is 12 am. That hardly qualifies as late evening in Vegas anyway. How about around 3-4 am? I doubt many flights depart then. The airport has to be half-deserted at some point. INcidentally that's what I think of when envisioning "the middle of the night"
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 27th, 2013 at 2:25:37 PM
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My god, I'm watching Ocean's Eleven on the tv at my gym and I'm having major Vegas withdrawals. I'm definitely cabbing it to the Bellagio during my layover, even if for just an hour!!
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
June 27th, 2013 at 2:27:41 PM
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Quote: HotBlondeMy god, I'm watching Ocean's Eleven on the tv at my gym and I'm having major Vegas withdrawals. I'm definitely cabbing it to the Bellagio during my layover, even if for just an hour!!
I get it, really. often I can't watch the original CSI...
Good luck catching the flight!
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
June 27th, 2013 at 2:28:29 PM
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Why is it I choke up every time I see this movie? I'm literally on the treadmill with tears in my eyes!!!Quote: HotBlondeMy god, I'm watching Ocean's Eleven on the tv at my gym and I'm having major Vegas withdrawals. I'm definitely cabbing it to the Bellagio during my layover, even if for just an hour!!
OFFICIALLY and justifiably reclaimed my title as SuperHotBlonde!
June 27th, 2013 at 3:03:10 PM
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Quote: SanchoPanzaActually late at night is one of the busiest times at McCarran, as many planes depart eastward a bit before and after the midnight witching hour.
Yep. I live in NJ. I've taken the red-eye home on my last 5 trips. (And stumbled into work the next day, direct from the airport!)
My flights depart right around midnight. McCarran starts to look deserted at the gate areas when the news stands and restaurants close. (9pm?) It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the slot attendants become scarce as well.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 27th, 2013 at 5:00:22 PM
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You'll find, I think, 3 main pushes out of LAS. One around 8-10 am; one around 5pm; and the biggest from 12-2am. They have a full crew on for those. On the day of flight, it can often be free or discounted to change your flight - usual cost is 100 or so most airlines. I am with those who are saying that 2 1/2 hours is definitely not long enough to do anything for you, and can verify the times are accurate as to transit times and such.
I would suggest, if your schedule will allow it, you get up at 4am and try and change either/both legs for a mini-vacation/longer layover; there are flights every 1/2 hour or more often LAX-LAS, and at least 4 companies that run LAS-ORD or LAS-MDW several times a day, so it's likely your airline is among them. I would say you need a minimum 4 hour layover to have 1 hour in a casino. Walking out only takes 10 minutes from any gate, but if there's a line at the cabstand you're screwed. The shuttles are not fast unless you time it just right by accident and you're their first stop. Even with boarding pass in hand, security can take 1/2 hour to 1 hour in line easily, and then the walk back to the gate.
However, when you leave LAX, unless you're changing airlines, you will be booked through and ticketed for all legs at that time. If you're printing your own boarding passes, and not changing airlines, you will get multiple pages; be sure to bring all your passes, not just the first one.
Or just relax and enjoy the bad odds at the airport for a couple hours. Chances are the -EV still beats paying the 100 change fee plus 2 taxis @25 each.
I would suggest, if your schedule will allow it, you get up at 4am and try and change either/both legs for a mini-vacation/longer layover; there are flights every 1/2 hour or more often LAX-LAS, and at least 4 companies that run LAS-ORD or LAS-MDW several times a day, so it's likely your airline is among them. I would say you need a minimum 4 hour layover to have 1 hour in a casino. Walking out only takes 10 minutes from any gate, but if there's a line at the cabstand you're screwed. The shuttles are not fast unless you time it just right by accident and you're their first stop. Even with boarding pass in hand, security can take 1/2 hour to 1 hour in line easily, and then the walk back to the gate.
However, when you leave LAX, unless you're changing airlines, you will be booked through and ticketed for all legs at that time. If you're printing your own boarding passes, and not changing airlines, you will get multiple pages; be sure to bring all your passes, not just the first one.
Or just relax and enjoy the bad odds at the airport for a couple hours. Chances are the -EV still beats paying the 100 change fee plus 2 taxis @25 each.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
