LAS VEGAS - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is prepared for the rush of travelers expected to depart the airport following the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix taking place this weekend. For the past year, TSA has been working closely with the airport, airlines and the host committee of the Formula 1 event to develop a comprehensive security and operational plan.
“Las Vegas consistently plays host to premiere events and we are excited to add the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to that list. There has been no shortage of anticipation and planning leading up to this event when tens of thousands of additional travelers will depart LAS. We have planned for them, are expecting them and we will be prepared,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Nevada Karen Burke. “The entire TSA team will be focused on our security mission to ensure that every departing traveler and their belongings are screened in the most efficient manner to ensure a safe and secure trip home, whether they came to town for the race or something else.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has classified the Formula 1 race as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 2, which qualifies it for federal support. Hundreds of DHS personnel are currently involved in dedicated security operations in and around the Las Vegas area.
More than 20 TSA explosive detection canines and their handlers are in Las Vegas to assist in security operations at key locations including the airport These working canines are specially trained to detect explosives and explosive components. Some of the teams work regularly at LAS while others have come from airports from across the country.
At the airport, TSA’s use of explosive detection canines significantly enhances the efficiency of the security screening process, serving as an added layer of security. Away from the airport, the dogs can work in a variety of locations and use their keen sense of smell to augment existing security efforts.
Post-Formula 1 rush at LAS
Following the Formula 1 race Saturday evening and into Sunday morning, TSA is prepared for an extended influx of travelers at LAS. TSA will keep some checkpoints in each terminal open overnight Saturday into Sunday to screen travelers. Checked baggage screening operations will also be conducted overnight. Regular checkpoint hours will resume Monday morning.
The busiest times for TSA operations at LAS are projected to be Sunday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Operations are projected to remain busy through Monday evening, November 20. On Sunday, November 19, TSA is projecting that 98,000 travelers will depart LAS. On Monday, TSA is projecting that 94,000 travelers will depart LAS. While the airport will be busy, it is not expected to break a single-day record. The busiest day ever for TSA screening operations at LAS occurred on Sunday, October 29, 2023, when TSA screened 103,400. The second busiest day for TSA operations at LAS was earlier this month on Sunday, November 5, 2023, when 103,285 were screened.
During peak times, TSA will have 51 lanes open across both airport terminals, in five different checkpoints to screen departing travelers. In addition to the usual checkpoints in Terminal 1 and 3, TSA will also staff the Innovation Checkpoint and training checkpoint located on the “0” level in Terminal 3. This additional capacity will help keep operations efficient during the heaviest travel times.
In addition to local TSA officers (TSOs) working overtime, TSA administrative staff will be on-site to conduct customer service duties and other non-security functions.
TSA’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams will supplement existing security efforts. They can be seen around the transportation venues as well as at the airport to prevent and deter potential security incidents.
For travelers who have purchased souvenir programs, please pack those in your carry-on luggage. Placing programs in checked luggage may cause the security screening equipment to unnecessarily alarm and potentially cause delays in checked baggage operations.
With the number of people expected to travel over the next several days, TSA is advising that all travelers to plan to arrive at the airport early and prepared for every step of the travel process including security screening. Please be aware of the contents of carry-on luggage to avoid bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. In addition, ensure that liquids in carry-on luggage are in quantities of 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less. Any liquids over this quantity should be placed in checked luggage.
TSA recommends travelers download the myTSA app, a trusted source for travel information. It provides travelers with 24-hour access to the most frequently asked questions. It also features a searchable “Can I Bring” database where you can type in the name of an item and learn whether it can travel in a carry-on bag or if it needs to be checked. Travelers can also Tweet or Message AskTSA to get answers to their questions. Live assistance is available daily including weekends and holidays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).