1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Airport layovers, what to expect? what to do?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by nia, Sep 17, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. nia

    nia Tourist

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2012
    Messages:
    33
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Hey all :)

    I am so confused with the times zones LOL. I am used to my 3 hrs direct flight in the same time zone for my usual Disney trips, so this LV trip is weird for me. Lay overs??? ick!

    It looks like going to LV, after a 4 hr flight we have a 3 hr lay over in Denver Co :cry: any ideas what we can do with the time? what is there to do at the airport?

    Coming home we are in flight for 3 1/2 hrs and our lay over is 2 hrs in Chicago Midway. Any ideas for that time?

    Is there anything to do/ see at these airports? :ssst:

    Also, we are flying Southwest, we check in 24 hrs before. So anyone know if we check in for both flights at that 24 hr mark?

    Any info would be appreciated :) thanks!

    p.s. 2 adults, no kids ;)
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2012
  2. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2010
    Messages:
    10,096
    Location:
    At the tables
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    layovers do suck. the only thing to do is maybe get some food and then just sit there. if you have a crown room/lounge membership, that's a great place to go. otherwise you just have to sit there and wait.

    you will only check-in for the first flight and then they will give you 2 boarding passes and you just go directly to the gate for the second flight.
     
  3. SH0CK

    SH0CK Stylin' and Profilin' Quasi Tech Admin

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2001
    Messages:
    24,014
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    All I typically do with a long layover is maybe grab a bit to eat and window shop or just listen to my iPod. I've flown thru Denver before, I don't recall anything there that is worth seeing or doing while you wait for your flight.

    As for check in, the flight to Denver then to Vegas will be checked in at the same time. The flights home, you will have to check in for those within the 24 hours before those other flights.
     
  4. allustoms

    allustoms Tourist

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2009
    Messages:
    101
    Location:
    canada
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    3
    Many airports now have salons where you can get mani's, pedis and massages. My last layover stop I even prebooked online.

    It's a better way to pass the time than sitting on those horrible benches and doesn't cost much more than sitting in the lounge drinking.

    One flight home I had a raging headache and stopped in an oxygen bar for a treatment that really helped my headache. Maybe the comfy easy chair and pillows and nap I took during the treatment cured the headache, but the oxygen didn't hurt.

    Check out the airport websites, they really are coming up with some interesting things to do in some of them.
     
  5. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2009
    Messages:
    5,820
    Location:
    Burnaby, BC
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    17
    Even if you don't have your boarding pass now you should still know what gate your first flight arrives in and what gate you depart from, for both legs of the flight.

    From that I would go to the websites of each airport and take a look at where your gates (arrival and departure) and then see whats around there to see and do, where to eat, etc.

    Otherwise if somebody says "Oh when I am at the Denver airport I like to go to..." doesn't really help you if its going to be a 2-3 mile walk there and back and you don't want to do that because your arrival and departure gates are side by side.

    Personally I find that there usually isn't much to do at any airport (though I have never been to those two) and so I usually just end up sitting at the gate recharging my electronics (portable media player, phone, wife's kobo) and watching a movie or doing something on my laptop.
     
  6. BlueSkadoo

    BlueSkadoo VMB Sweetheart

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1,026
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    14
    I think you can buy a one-day pass on popular auction sites to Delta SkyClubs, and they have those in Denver. In the SkyClubs, you get complimentary beverages (including alcoholic beverages) and a variety of small snacks. More than anything, the clubs are nice because they are quiet, peaceful and out of the hustle and bustle. I'm almost certain you do not have to be flying on the airline to utilize the club with the day pass, however, the agents in the club will be unable to help you with your flight details.
     
  7. Jimbo338

    Jimbo338 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2000
    Messages:
    5,543
    Location:
    Laconia, NH
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    It was nice when SWA had non-stop direct flights to LV from NH but I guess they are gone indefinitely. The 5.5 to 6 hour flight is now lengthened for layovers not to mention the wait before you start. I usually find a place to grab a bite to eat, sometimes read about the airport history etc.

    The best thing I did several years ago was to invest in a DVD player. I got an extra battery and packed enough movies to get me there and back. It sure helps make the time go by. I generally bring my computer now and it doesn't have the battery life of the old DVD player but you can plug in at the airport and recharge your battery if necessary while you watch a movie. It allows me to keep up with the posts here in the forum as well as news, my email and so on.

    Jimbo338
     
  8. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2002
    Messages:
    5,573
    Location:
    Illinois
  9. xmarksx

    xmarksx VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2010
    Messages:
    1,315
    Location:
    Bloomington, Illinois
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    38
    Nia since it appears you may be traveling with children (Disney) I would assume you do not want to invest the $35-$50 pp for a day pass to a lounge.

    I have always liked Denver International, lots of things to see. Artwork and other interesting exhibits. Take a look at this site and if your kids are old enough, you can do a virtual scavenger hunt in addition to touring some arwork: http://www.flydenver.com/exploredia

    Midway is much better for business travelers than those with families but it does have some fun things to see. I am a fan of old aviation, especially WWII planes. In th A concourse they have a nice little display with a real SBD Dauntless Dive-Bomber along with a battle of Midway display. That area, as I recall, also has a pretty good kids play area and some quiet spaces to plug in a laptop (I have done that more than a few times). Midway is super easy to navigate but it comes at a price, there is not nearly as much to do or see as Denver. The faux French place near the Southwest gates is better than average but the food court has anything that you might want.
     
  10. gongoman

    gongoman MIA

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2012
    Messages:
    577
    Location:
    Long Beach,In
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
  11. chrisn42

    chrisn42 Tourist

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2012
    Messages:
    92
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    8
    Well I can't speak about Denver, but living in Chicago I've been to Midway more than enough... Midway is pretty much a SWA airport and that's about all thats there. Expect a rough landing there, the airport is in the middle of a neighborhood and planes have to come in steep because of noise and height restrictions. People not familiar with landing there generally are freaked out at the roughness. As for what to do, Harry Carry's is an awesome choice, very cool bar and place to just hang out. It's not a big airport at all so you can walk around.

    Depending on the time of your layover, you maybe able to find a quiet section to just chill, the airport closes at night so if your layover is in the late evening, it can be relaxing (in airport terms).
     
  12. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Messages:
    23,220
    Location:
    TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    Eat
    Walk
    Drink

    We often watch a movie on computer or ipad if stuck somewhere.

    As to checking in at the 24 mark, that handles both flights. You do NOT need to print a boarding pass in advance.
     
  13. Dpin300

    Dpin300 Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2012
    Messages:
    379
    Location:
    Las Vegas
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    Install a VP, BJ or any other casino game app and practice
     
  14. atom

    atom High-Roller

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2008
    Messages:
    999
    Location:
    Taxachusetts
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    20
    Denver is a hub airport for Southwest, so the Southwest terminal is pretty big. Think of it as a mall with airplane gates. There are shops, restaurants, vending, seating and bathrooms. When I returned through Denver with a 3 hour layover a couple years ago I spent much of the time getting a bite to eat at Timberline Steaks and Grille in the terminal. The food was quite good, not too pricey (considering it is in an airport) and I got to try Rocky Mountain Oysters for the first time. They aren't half bad, btw, if you can get over what they are. ;)
     
  15. nia

    nia Tourist

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2012
    Messages:
    33
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    0
    WOW thanks everyone!! Awesome info here!!

    And I should of mentioned no kids on this trip. Just us two.

    Sounds like we will be fine at Denver with stores, food and drink :beer:

    I will have my laptop, so for the Midway, we will eat and hang I suppose.

    There is always trip pictures to organize and post too. Always computer work.

    Great tips for all of you!! Thanks so much!!
     
  16. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2011
    Messages:
    19,794
    Location:
    Somewhere in Middle America
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    70
    I end up laying over in DEN maybe once a month or so.

    For me, anyway, if the layover is less than 2 hours, there's really no time to do anything.

    For something a bit longer, I'll stroll down to the central area and get something to eat, if it's around meal time. Otherwise I'll just relax and read or surf. (I have an air card.)

    Within the past 10 years, I've ended up spending 2 nights at the Denver airport. Both weather related. That is not fun! :(
     
  17. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,420
    Location:
    Colorado Springs
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    12
    Denver has free wi-fi. It's slow, but it works.
     
  18. Travel Fanatic

    Travel Fanatic The Arbiter of Taste Caviar Kid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    21,525
    Location:
    Tennessee
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    50
    While stuck at the Denver airport, you can spend your time searching for the illuminati world headquarters.

    Wait, I've already said too much.....
     
    The plans have changed
    Post-Shopping Recovery Period
  19. sapphirevegas

    sapphirevegas High-Roller

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2012
    Messages:
    547
    Location:
    Northeast, Ohio
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    24
    Make sure to check in and print your passes EXACTLY 24 hours ahead. The quicker you get in the better seating you get. Then you will avoid sitting in section D next to the bathroom in the ass of the plane.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.