Finding Cheap Flights to Las Vegas: A Local’s Ultimate Guide
Living in Las Vegas for over 20 years has taught me a thing or two about the best ways to find cheap flights to this incredible city.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a vacation, or a business trip, saving on airfare can make a significant difference to your budget.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my insider tips and strategies to help you score the best deals on flights to Las Vegas.
I’ve got you covered, from the best times to book to utilizing flight comparison tools.
1. Understanding the Best Times to Fly
One of the most critical factors in finding cheap flights is timing. Here’s what you need to know about the best times to fly to Las Vegas:
Off-Peak Seasons
Las Vegas is a popular destination year-round, but certain times of the year are less busy than others. Generally, the off-peak seasons include:
- Late Fall (November)
- Winter (excluding holidays)
- Early Spring (March-April)
During these periods, you can find lower airfares and fewer crowds.
Midweek Flights
Flying midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can save you a significant amount of money. Most travelers prefer flying on weekends, making midweek flights less expensive.
Late-Night and Early-Morning Flights
Red-eye flights (late-night) and early-morning flights are often cheaper than flights during peak hours. If you’re flexible with your schedule, these flights can offer great savings.
2. Using Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites are essential tools for finding cheap flights. Here are some of the best ones:
Google Flights
Google Flights is a powerful tool for comparing prices across different airlines. It also offers a price-tracking feature that notifies you when fares drop.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another excellent option. It searches hundreds of airlines and travel sites to find the best deals. The “Everywhere” feature is great if you’re flexible with your destination.
Kayak
Kayak compares flight prices and provides insights into whether you should book now or wait based on price trends.
Momondo
Momondo often finds deals that other sites miss. It’s a great resource for finding budget-friendly flights.
3. Setting Up Price Alerts
Setting up price alerts is a proactive way to get notified about fare drops. Most flight comparison websites and apps offer this feature. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
Create Multiple Alerts
Set up multiple alerts for different dates and times. This increases your chances of catching a great deal.
Be Flexible
Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can make a difference.
Monitor Frequently
Check your alerts regularly and adjust your criteria if needed. Sometimes, tweaking your search can reveal hidden gems.
4. Exploring Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often offer lower fares compared to major carriers. Here are some budget airlines that fly to Las Vegas:
Southwest Airlines
Southwest frequently has sales and offers free checked bags, which can save you money.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is known for its low base fares. However, be aware of additional fees for baggage and other services.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant offers direct flights to Las Vegas from smaller airports, often at lower prices.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier is another budget airline that can offer significant savings if you don’t mind basic services.
5. Leveraging Airline Rewards and Points
Frequent flyer programs and credit card points can significantly reduce your airfare costs. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Join Frequent Flyer Programs
Enroll in frequent flyer programs for airlines that fly to Las Vegas. Accumulate miles and use them for free or discounted flights.
Use Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards offer points for every dollar spent. Use these points to book flights or get statement credits.
Combine Points and Miles
Many programs allow you to combine points from different sources, maximizing your savings.
6. Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes, waiting until the last minute can pay off. Here’s how to find last-minute deals:
Check Airline Websites
Airlines often post last-minute deals on their websites. Keep an eye on the “Deals” or “Special Offers” sections.
Use Last-Minute Booking Apps
Apps like Hopper and Last Minute Travel can help you find last-minute deals on flights and accommodations.
Be Ready to Go
Last-minute deals require flexibility and the ability to pack and go on short notice. If you can handle that, you can score significant savings.
7. Utilizing Travel Agencies and Aggregators
Travel agencies and online travel aggregators can sometimes offer better deals than booking directly with airlines.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
OTAs like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity often have exclusive deals and packages, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Travel Agents
Traditional travel agents can also find deals, especially if booking a complete vacation package.
8. Combining Flight and Hotel Packages
Bundling your flight and hotel can lead to additional savings. Many OTAs and airline websites offer package deals.
Package Deals on OTAs
Websites like Expedia and Travelocity offer discounted packages that save you money compared to booking separately.
Airline Vacation Packages
Some airlines offer vacation packages including flights, hotels, and activities. Check out Southwest Vacations or Delta Vacations for example.
9. Exploring Alternate Airports
Flying into or out of nearby airports can sometimes be cheaper. Consider these options:
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
This is the main airport in Las Vegas, but checking flights to nearby airports like:
- Boulder City Municipal Airport (BLD)
- Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport (IFP)
Can sometimes yield better deals.
10. Using Incognito Mode for Searching Flights
Airlines and travel sites often use cookies to track searches and may increase prices based on demand. Using incognito mode can help you avoid this.
How to Use Incognito Mode
Open a new incognito window in your browser before searching for flights. This prevents the site from tracking your activity and potentially raising prices.
11. Signing Up for Newsletters and Deal Notifications
Airlines and travel websites often send out newsletters with special deals and promotions. Signing up for these can give you access to exclusive offers.
Airline Newsletters
Sign up for newsletters from airlines that fly to Las Vegas. You’ll receive notifications about sales and special deals.
Travel Deal Websites
Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and The Flight Deal send out alerts for low fares and mistake fares.
12. Taking Advantage of Credit Card Travel Portals
Many credit cards offer travel portals where you can use points or get flight discounts. Check if your credit card offers this benefit.
Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be used to book flights through the Chase travel portal, often at a discount.
American Express Travel
American Express cardholders can use their points or get discounts on flights booked through the Amex travel portal.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights to Las Vegas doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can uncover some fantastic deals. Use the tips and strategies outlined in this guide to make your next trip to Las Vegas both affordable and enjoyable.
Remember, the key is to stay proactive and explore all available options. Safe travels, and enjoy your time in fabulous Las Vegas!