LAS VEGAS - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is prepared for thousands of travelers expected to depart the airport following the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix taking place this weekend. For the past several months, 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 will once again host the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and welcome tens of thousands of race spectators to the city. TSA wants to assure the traveling public that we have a solid operational plan in place to ensure that anyone who will be departing LAS during the post-race rush will have a smooth and efficient trip through the security screening process,” said TSA Federal Security Director Karen Burke. “We will have multiple checkpoints open to screen travelers and additional security assets in place to deliver a top-notch security screening experience for all.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has classified the Formula 1 race as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 3, which qualifies it for federal support. Hundreds of DHS personnel are currently involved in detailed security operations in and around the Las Vegas area.
More than 28 TSA explosive detection canines and their handlers will be 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.
People can expect to see multiple Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams working in the airport and around key transportation venues leading up to, during and following the Formula 1 race. These teams are part of a nationwide transportation security program that can work in any transportation facility. VIPRs are intended to supplement existing security resources and provide a highly visible law enforcement presence.
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 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Operations are projected to remain busy through Monday evening, November 25. On Sunday, November 24, TSA is projecting that 95,000 travelers will depart LAS. On Monday, November 25, TSA is projecting that 87,000 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 13, 2024, when TSA screened 107,309 departing passengers. The second busiest day for TSA operations at LAS was Sunday, October 20, 2024, when TSA screened 107,196 people. The day after Super Bowl VIII on February 12, 2024, was TSA’s third busiest day locally when TSA screened 103,978 people.
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 Zero 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.
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 joining with LAS airport in advising 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.
Airport staff anticipate an increase in traffic as detours may lead to longer travel times around the Las Vegas Strip and near the airport. Travelers can sign up for text alerts on F1 road closures by texting “F1LV” to 31996. In addition, LAS staff recommends travelers exercise the 4-3-2-1 Formula for stress free travel:
4 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE: Arrange your transportation/drop off rental car.
3 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE: Check your bags with your airline.
2 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE: Get in line at the security checkpoint.
1 HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE: Be at the gate, ready to board.
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).