Flight Delayed or Cancelled at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)?
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is one of the busiest leisure airports in the US. Southwest runs the largest operation, and big conventions and events can fill flights, which makes rebooking harder.
Airlines and terminals
Southwest carries the most LAS passengers. Frontier, Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, and others also fly there.
LAS has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Some Terminal 1 gates are reached by tram.
Your options depend on the airline operating or selling your ticket. Airline guides: Southwest, Frontier, Delta, United, American.
Common causes of delays at LAS
- Strong winds that limit runway use
- Summer monsoon thunderstorms
- Extreme summer heat, which can limit aircraft performance
- Full flights around major events, leaving few rebooking seats
Crew and many maintenance problems are generally within the airline's control; weather is not. See our weather delay guide.
The DOT refund rule
Flights at LAS are covered by the US DOT refund rule (14 CFR Part 260). When a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, and you choose not to fly it and don't accept rebooking or a credit, the rule requires the airline to refund the fare, taxes, and unused paid extras to your original form of payment, for any cause.
A significant change includes departing 3+ hours earlier or arriving 3+ hours later than scheduled on a domestic trip (6+ hours international), a different airport, extra connections, or a cabin downgrade. Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit cards and 20 calendar days for other payment types. Accepting the rebooked flight or a credit generally ends the refund right.
Meals, hotels, and rebooking
On the DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard, large US airlines commit to free rebooking and a meal or meal voucher for 3+ hour waits when the disruption is within their control. All except Frontier also commit to a hotel and ride for overnight disruptions. Weather and air traffic control usually fall outside these commitments.
A local tip for LAS
During big events, the next open seat may be a day or more away. If a significant delay makes the trip pointless, compare that against a refund before you accept a later flight.
What to do
- Screenshot every notice and reason the airline gives.
- Look at rebooking options in the app, then decide between rebooking and a refund.
- Ask for a meal voucher at the 3-hour mark if the cause is controllable.
- Keep receipts and boarding passes.
- Put your request in writing after the trip.
Related guides: Flight cancelled, Missed connection, How to request a refund in writing, All US airport guides. Not sure where to start? Check your flight.
FAQ
Does Southwest give a voucher for delays out of Las Vegas? Southwest's Customer Service Plan describes a voucher for qualifying delays within its control. Weather doesn't qualify. See our Southwest guide for the conditions.
What if I already accepted a travel credit? Accepting a credit generally ends the refund right under the DOT rule. You can still ask the airline, but it may treat the credit as your choice.
Where can I complain if the airline doesn't respond? You can file a complaint with the US Department of Transportation. A clear written request with your records makes the next step easier.
Create your letter
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