KLAS vs KHND vs KVGT

[drjcustis]

Taking the recent HS grad on a trip out west. LV was his choice. Flying a Saratoga. Which airport is the best as far as reasonable rates and cost of fuel and easiness of getting to the Strip?


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[MountainDude]

KHND. Super easy.

 

[luvflyin]

Taking the recent HS grad on a trip out west. LV was his choice. Flying a Saratoga. Which airport is the best as far as reasonable rates and cost of fuel and easiness of getting to the Strip?


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High school grad wants to do Vegas?? Which airport is the least of your problems. Have an emergency, land somewhere hundreds of miles away and say “Oh darn”

 

[Martin Pauly]

[...] and easiness of getting to the Strip?

I hear LAS wins in this department, plus you get the coolest view of the strip on approach and take-off. Both FBOs are on the west side of the airport, i.e. towards the strip. You could probably walk from there if you wanted to.
I am sure it'll cost a little more than the smaller airports, though.

Here is a map with the FBOs (Atlantic and Signature), and the strip on the far left:



- Martin

 

[RyanB]

I hear LAS wins in this department, plus you get the coolest view of the strip on approach and take-off. Both FBOs are on the west side of the airport, i.e. towards the strip. You could probably walk from there if you wanted to.

It is. Both FBO's are accessible from the strip. Convenience wise, you can't beat it.

 

[JamesA320]

I am not familiar with fees at each location, however, some people at work fly their personal airplanes into KVGT and grab a ride to LAS because it is cheaper. When is your trip? Where are you coming in from?

 

[drjcustis]

It’s a big trip. KBHM to KTUS the week before and then to LV.

My biggest worries are then undisclosed fees.


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[asicer]

My biggest worries are then undisclosed fees.

You have to look at them in the context of being in Vegas spending your time on the Strip. The fees for those "free" drinks at the craps table aren't disclosed either.

 

[N1120A]

KHND all the way. It is still very close to the Strip, especially the nicer parts.

 

[Rockymountain]

Closeness close to far. KLAS then KVGT then KHND
Cost Greatest to least KLAS>>> KVGT=KHND
Friendliness KHND>KVGT>KLAS
Cool factor KLAS>KVGT>KHND
FBO luxury KLAS>KHND>KVGT
ATC busts KVGT>KLAS>KHND

The best combination of cost, closeness, convenience, friendliness, usually favors VGT, but I use all of them, and when I want to be close and don't mind the cost it is LAS.

Can get some nice pics of your plane with Vegas in the background. One of my birds a few years ago.

 

[drjcustis]

We are based with an Atlantic Aviation. I’ve been in touch with Atlantic Aviation at KLAS and I’m ok with their tie down and ramp fees. A bit pricy but worth it in my estimation.

Someone at some point posted that there was a $265 landing fee at KLAS. Atlantic did not indicate this in their email to me and I’ve only seen that amount posted one time.

@Rockymountain can you confirm that there’s not a huge, unexpected landing fee at KLAS?


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[Rockymountain]

Was just there this week. I believe there was a $200 facility fee that was waived with 35 gallons of Jet A. Parking was about $90/night and a $15 security fee. Otherwise, nice services and the kids got a bagel breakfast on departure.

 

[murphey]

It’s a big trip. KBHM to KTUS the week before and then to LV.

My biggest worries are then undisclosed fees.


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Call each FBO and ask about fees.

 

[bflynn]

I am not familiar with fees at each location, however, some people at work fly their personal airplanes into KVGT and grab a ride to LAS because it is cheaper. When is your trip? Where are you coming in from?

https://rampfee.me/search/Klas

Looks expensive. $50-100 landing fee plus 40+ for overnight.


HND is no landing fee, $15 a night. Uber for the win.

 

[drjcustis]

The flight into Las Vegas was phenomenal. Stopped in Sedona en route. Did the Grand Canyon tour and then to KLAS. Required a little vectoring for MVAs but not too bad, flew in at 10k feet. Kept the speed up to 160 knots until short final on 19R, landed and off the runway on Taxiway November. Parked at Atlantic. No landing fee. $25/night parking. They discounted fuel to $7.00/gallon, so that was a bit pricey. What a great experience.

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[Rockymountain]

Awesome. Did you feel small out there?

Passing the private 747/757/737's?

 

[drjcustis]

OMG! I felt tiny.
The FBO had giant personal, private planes everywhere.

Turned right to go towards the FBO and was greeted by a “follow me” truck. Drove to the second parking area, then the third and then all the way to the back.

Me, a Mooney, a a Diamond and a V Tail Bonanza.

A whole different world.

When we left on Thursday at 0530, Clearance and Ground were combined on one frequency, so not unlike other airports. I actually found Centennial, KAPA, to be busier and more difficult.

The controllers were phenomenal. Never made me feel second or unwelcome.


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[Martin Pauly]

The controllers were phenomenal. Never made me feel second or unwelcome.

I find that to be quite typical at large airports.
Maybe the controllers like a break from their heavy-iron routine every now and then?

- Martin