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Everything Vancouver travellers need to know about the Las Vegas cyber attack

You can cancel your stay if you want to avoid the chaos.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
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Travellers from Vancouver, B.C. might want to reschedule their YVR flights in following the Las Vegas cyber attack.Photo via Michael Lee/Moment/Getty Images

Vancouverites who recently travelled to Las Vegas may want to check their credit card statement. 

A massive cyber attack in the City of Sin that started on Sunday, Sept. 10 rendered several resort services inoperable and compromised private guest information. 

MGM Resorts identified a cybersecurity issue and began an investigation with experts and law enforcement. While the company admits that the issue continues to affect some of its systems, it says the vast majority of its property offerings remain operational and it is ready to welcome guests, according to a statement on its website.

The company says the cybersecurity investigation is ongoing and that it does "not have additional information" about customer data. 

Casino company Caesars Entertainment on Thursday joined Las Vegas gambling rival MGM Resorts International in reporting that it was hit by a cyberattack, but added in a report to federal regulators that its casino and online operations were not disrupted. However, it could not guarantee that the personal information of millions of customers was not exposed 

Caesers Entertainment is the world's largest casino owner, operating numerous properties in Las Vegas including Hurrah's Las Vegas, Caeser's Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, Horseshoe Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Rio All-Suites Hotel Casino, and The Linq Hotel & Casino. 

Las Vegas packages are one of the most popular travel options for residents of the Lower Mainland, with flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) starting for as little as $141 with Flair Airlines.

Sunwing Packages including accommodation and direct, return flights from YVR start at just over $310 on select dates.  

Travellers who plan to cancel their holidays in the wake of the cybersecurity chaos will want to check with their airline to see if they can get a refund. Depending on the booking class, this might not be possible. A comprehensive travel insurance policy might cover them in this circumstance but each provider will have their own stipulations.

The MGM cyber attack in Las Vegas, Nevada: What Vancouver travellers need to know

MGM Resorts International operates numerous properties in Nevada, including the Bellagio, the Vdara at Aria, the MGM Grand, the Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Delano Las Vegas, Four Seasons, Park MGM, NoMad Las Vegas, New York-New York, Luxor, and Excalibur.

The Aria in Las Vegas, one of the entertainment destinations' most popular casino resorts, was included in a laundry list of compromised, MGM-operated spots. Videos shared on social media showed that issues have continued at the property heading into the weekend. 

A video shared on Twitter Friday shows a massive lineup at Guest Services at the hotel, while one shared Saturday shows the slot machines looking "extra hacked" with scrambled screens, rendering them inoperative. 

If you booked a reservation at an MGM property, you may cancel with no penalty if your stay falls before Sept. 17. MGM adds that "if you were charged for the first night of your reservation at the time of booking, that charge will be reversed."

Guests are also welcome to keep their reservations but the Mobile Check-In and Digital Keys are currently unavailable. MGM says it can now process credit card transactions but "certain transactions may be quicker to process with cash." 

  • The front desk will issue a physical key to access your room.
  • When you get out after your stay, you can drop your physical key at the Express Check-out box. 
  • A digital copy of your folio will be sent to your e-mail once MGM's systems are back up.

If you want to keep your booking with MGM, the website and mobile app are currently operational, meaning you can book and explore the following online services:

  • Book dining reservations at any MGM Resorts restaurant.
  • Explore bar, lounge, and nightlife reservations.
  • View available shows, concerts, and attractions, and link to ticketing websites.
  • Book a service at the spa or salon. 

With files from the Canadian Press.