We are going to Las Vegas next week and we have an early departure when we leave - 8:50 a.m. Has anyone experienced security slowdowns that mean extra early airport arrival - thanks!

We flew home yesterday. I'd get there at least an hour and a half before your flight. There is a long walk and tram ride to the gates. Security wasn't particularly slow, but the combination of check in, security, and the tram could make you late!

Lines at the security checkpoint can take up to 20 mins at peak times AFTER checking in your luggage, be sure to leave time for the gate check-in. My friend narrowly made her flight when going through the departure gate at approx. the same time, 9ish as you mentioned. We went and had breakfast because there was so much time to kill, about 25 mins before take off she proceeded through the security checkpoint where there was a gigantic line. Well it took her more than 20 mins to get through the line and flight attendants were calling her name overhead as they were about to cancel her from the flight. She ran up, they closed the doors, and the plane took off. So, do leave plenty of time and have a great visit.

Are you staying in a major hotel? My partner just came bck from LV yesterday (his flight left LV at 8:00 AM). The biggest problem was waiting almost 45 minutes for a taxi from the hotel (The Venetian) although allowing the folks at the hotel to handle the baggage got him bumped up near the head of the line but it was still a long wait.
He did curbside check-in at the airport and had no trouble getting through security.

The last two times I've flown out of Vegas I had to wait a good 45 minutes in the security line that forms after checking in my luggage. They had a separate line for "first class" but it was also L-O-N-G! I'd allow plenty of time!

The other alternative is to take one of the flights that uses the other LV terminal. Charters, like Funjet, use the smaller terminal and the lines are not nearly so long.

These observations are from my own experience. I'd make sure I had a lot of time for security.

We left in the middle of the day last Sunday, and got through security relatively quickly despite a fairly busy travel day, as evidenced by the fact that a large convention was ending and one was beginning. However, as it could be hit or miss, depending on what happens with the alert levels, I'd think about getting to the airport no later than 7:30 if I were you.

The biggest issue we faced was getting a cab at the Bellagio. The cab line was about 25 minutes which could have presented a problem has we not planned to leave the hotel 2 hours before our flight.

i will reiterate - could wait a while for a taxi at your hotel and i'd plan on being at the airport by 7:30.