Royan/Médis to Las Vegas (RYN–LAS) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

French citizens enter the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You must get an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The ESTA costs USD 21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before departure, though most approvals come within minutes.

Your passport must be biometric (the e-passport symbol on the cover). At US immigration, you will be fingerprinted and photographed. Officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans. You cannot extend a VWP stay beyond 90 days or change status while in the US. For longer stays or work, apply for a visa at the US Embassy in Paris (2 Avenue Gabriel, Paris 8e).

Air France, Delta, United, and other carriers fly Paris CDG to multiple US cities direct, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington Dulles. The US dollar is the local currency. Tipping is expected (15 to 20% at restaurants). Travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended since US healthcare charges are extreme by French standards. An ER visit can cost USD 3,000 or more without insurance.

Taxis and ride-shares dominate ground transport. A metered taxi to the Strip costs $20–30; to downtown Las Vegas ("Fremont Street area"), $20–25. Ride-shares are comparable or slightly cheaper.Hotel casino shuttles serve major properties. No rail connects the airport to the Strip. Rental car facilities are at the CONRAC facility adjacent to the terminals, accessible by shuttle. Tunnel project (LVCC Loop) does not serve the airport.

Hot desert climate. Summers are intensely hot (38–45°C) with low humidity. Heat itself rarely disrupts flights, but monsoonal afternoon thunderstorms from July through September can produce brief but severe delays. Microbursts and lightning strikes ground aircraft quickly.

Winters are mild and sunny (5–15°C) with rare frost. Snow is unusual but possible in January and February. Spring dust storms (haboobs) can reduce visibility rapidly. The airport sits at 2,181 feet; thin air affects aircraft performance on extremely hot days.