Las Vegas is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year for its casinos, entertainment, nightlife, and conventions. Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway, a major event, or just to experience the excitement of the Strip, airfare can be one of the biggest travel expenses. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, you’re in luck. As someone who has lived in Las Vegas for over 20 years, I’ve picked up plenty of insights on how to score budget-friendly flights. Below, I’ll share my best tips and tricks to help you find the cheapest airfare to Sin City.
The Best Times to Book a Cheap Flight to Las Vegas
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best flight deals to Las Vegas. Airlines constantly adjust prices based on demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week. Knowing when to book, which months are cheapest, and which days to fly can make a big difference in your airfare. By planning ahead and being strategic, you can save a significant amount on your trip to Sin City.
When to Book Your Flight
- Book 1 to 3 months in advance – For domestic flights, the sweet spot for booking is typically 30 to 90 days before departure.
- For peak seasons, book earlier – If you’re flying for a major event (like New Year’s Eve or a big convention), book at least 4 to 6 months in advance.
- Avoid last-minute bookings – Prices tend to skyrocket in the last two weeks before departure.
- Check prices on Tuesday and Wednesday – Airlines often release fare sales early in the week, making these the best days to search.
- Use fare alerts – Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set alerts for price drops.
The Cheapest Months to Fly to Las Vegas
- January and February – After the holiday rush, airfare drops significantly.
- August and September – The desert heat keeps many tourists away, so flights are often cheaper.
- Mid-week travel is cheapest – Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays usually costs less than flying on Fridays or Sundays.
- Avoid major holidays and events – Prices surge during New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl weekend, and major conventions.
How to Find the Best Flight Deals
With so many airlines and travel websites, finding the lowest airfare can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are smart ways to search for flights that can help you uncover the best prices. From using flight search engines to considering budget airlines and flexible travel dates, a few simple strategies can lead to big savings. The key is knowing where to look and how to compare your options effectively.
Use Flight Search Engines
- Google Flights – One of the best tools for comparing airline prices and tracking fare changes.
- Skyscanner – A great resource for flexible date searches and finding the cheapest days to fly.
- Hopper – Uses historical data to predict when flight prices will rise or drop.
- Kayak – Offers a “Hacker Fare” feature that combines one-way tickets on different airlines for savings.
- Momondo – Sometimes finds lower fares than other search engines, especially for international flights.
Consider Budget Airlines
- Spirit Airlines – Often has the lowest base fares, but charges extra for bags and seat selection.
- Frontier Airlines – Another ultra-low-cost carrier with frequent promo codes for discounts.
- Allegiant Air – Offers nonstop flights to Vegas from smaller regional airports.
- Southwest Airlines – Doesn’t always appear on flight search engines but offers low fares and free checked bags.
- JetBlue and Alaska Airlines – Sometimes have competitive prices with better service than ultra-low-cost airlines.
Be Flexible With Your Travel Plans
- Try different departure airports – If you live near multiple airports, compare prices from each one.
- Check one-way flights – Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round trip.
- Be open to layovers – Direct flights are convenient but usually more expensive.
- Look at alternative arrival airports – Some travelers fly into nearby cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix and drive to Vegas if flights are significantly cheaper.
- Experiment with different travel dates – Shifting your trip by just a day or two can lead to big savings.
Taking Advantage of Airline Discounts and Promotions
Airlines frequently offer deals, promo codes, and reward programs that can make flights to Las Vegas more affordable. By signing up for travel newsletters, joining frequent flyer programs, and using airline credit cards, you can access exclusive discounts and even earn free flights. Understanding how these promotions work can help you maximize your savings and travel more often for less.
Sign Up for Airline and Travel Newsletters
- Airlines send exclusive deals – Many airlines notify subscribers of flash sales before the general public.
- Travel deal websites – Sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Airfarewatchdog curate discount fares.
- Frequent flyer programs – Joining loyalty programs can earn you miles and discounts.
- Follow airlines on social media – Some deals are announced exclusively on Twitter or Facebook.
- Check student, military, or senior discounts – Certain airlines offer special pricing for these groups.
Use Airline Credit Cards and Travel Rewards
- Sign-up bonuses – Many airline credit cards offer enough points for a free flight after meeting the spending requirement.
- Earn miles on everyday purchases – Even if you don’t travel often, everyday spending can accumulate points.
- Redeem points for flights – Some credit card reward programs let you book flights at a discount.
- Companion passes – Some cards (like Southwest’s) let a companion fly free once you meet a mileage threshold.
- Check for waived baggage fees – Many airline credit cards offer a free checked bag, saving you money.
Avoiding Hidden Fees and Extra Costs
A low-cost ticket doesn’t always mean a cheap trip—airlines often tack on extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and even basic services. These hidden costs can quickly add up, making your flight more expensive than expected. To keep your travel budget in check, it’s important to know how to avoid unnecessary fees and take advantage of airlines that offer better value.
Know Your Baggage Policies
- Check baggage fees before booking – Budget airlines often charge high fees for carry-ons and checked bags.
- Pack light to avoid fees – Some airlines allow a free personal item that fits under the seat.
- Weigh your luggage – Airlines charge extra for overweight bags.
- Consider paying for bags in advance – Some airlines offer lower baggage fees when paid online.
- Use an airline with free bags – Southwest, for example, allows two free checked bags.
Avoid Seat Selection Fees
- Skip paying for a seat – If you don’t mind where you sit, let the airline assign one for free.
- Check-in early – You’ll have a better chance of getting a decent seat without paying.
- Use airline status perks – Frequent flyers often get free seat upgrades.
- Consider upgrading strategically – Sometimes paying for an upgraded seat is worth it, but not always.
- Fly with airlines that include seat selection – Some full-service airlines include seat choice in their fares.
Watch Out for Extra Charges
- Printing boarding passes at the airport – Some airlines charge for this, so check in online instead.
- Change fees – Avoid flights with high penalties for modifying your ticket.
- Wi-Fi and in-flight purchases – These can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
- Resort fees at hotels – While not flight-related, these fees can affect your total trip cost.
- Transportation from the airport – Factor in how much it will cost to get to your hotel.
Alternative Ways to Save on Flights to Las Vegas
Finding cheap flights isn’t just about searching for the lowest fare—you can also save money by considering alternative booking methods, taking advantage of vacation packages, or even looking for error fares. These strategies can help you maximize your budget while still getting a great travel experience.
Book Flights as Part of a Package
Bundling your flight with accommodations or other travel expenses can sometimes lead to significant savings. Many travel websites and airlines offer discounts when you book multiple components of your trip together.
- Bundling with hotel stays – Websites like Expedia, Priceline, and Orbitz often offer lower prices when you book a flight and hotel together.
- Vacation packages from airlines – Southwest Vacations and Allegiant Vacations frequently offer discounted airfare when paired with hotel stays.
- Check casino promotions – Some Las Vegas resorts, like MGM and Caesars, partner with airlines to offer airfare discounts for guests.
- Use Costco or AAA travel deals – Membership-based travel services sometimes have exclusive flight and hotel package discounts.
- Consider all-inclusive resort deals – While Las Vegas isn’t known for all-inclusive resorts, some high-end properties offer bundled flight-and-stay packages.
Look for Error Fares and Flash Sales
Mistake fares and short-term sales can offer some of the best airfare deals to Las Vegas—if you know where to look.
- Set up alerts for mistake fares – Websites like Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Airfarewatchdog track and publish airline pricing errors.
- Be ready to book immediately – Mistake fares don’t last long, so you must act quickly before the airline corrects the price.
- Check airline policies on cancellations – Many airlines allow you to cancel within 24 hours, so you can secure a deal and decide later.
- Follow deal-finding experts on social media – Twitter accounts like @TheFlightDeal and @Scott’sCheapFlights regularly post limited-time airfare deals.
- Consider flexible payment options – Some travel websites let you hold a fare for a short period or book now and pay later.
How to Make the Most of Your Budget Once You Arrive
Saving on your flight is just the first step—Las Vegas can be an expensive city, so knowing how to stretch your budget once you arrive is key. From affordable transportation options to free entertainment, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vegas without breaking the bank.
Getting to and from the Airport on a Budget
McCarran International Airport (LAS) is conveniently located near the Las Vegas Strip, but transportation costs can add up if you’re not careful.
- Use the RTC bus system – The Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) and Centennial Express (CX) buses provide cheap rides to the Strip and Downtown.
- Book a shared shuttle – Services like SuperShuttle and Bell Trans offer affordable rides, especially for solo travelers.
- Avoid expensive taxi fares – Las Vegas taxis charge extra for airport pickups, making rideshares like Uber and Lyft the better choice.
- Check if your hotel offers a free shuttle – Some off-Strip hotels provide complimentary airport transfers, though availability has decreased post-pandemic.
- Walk if staying nearby – Hotels like Tropicana, MGM Grand, and Signature at MGM are close enough for a short walk if you pack light.
Saving Money on Las Vegas Attractions
While Vegas is known for luxury and high-end entertainment, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the city.
- Look for free entertainment – Iconic attractions like the Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience, and Mirage Volcano are completely free.
- Get discount show tickets – Booths like Tix4Tonight sell same-day show tickets at reduced prices.
- Use players’ club memberships – Signing up for casino loyalty programs like MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards can get you discounts on dining and entertainment.
- Check Groupon and Travelzoo deals – These sites often have discounts on tours, activities, and restaurants.
- Avoid peak-hour dining – Many buffets and restaurants offer happy hour specials or early bird discounts.
Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight to Las Vegas
Booking a flight to Las Vegas might seem straightforward, but many travelers unknowingly make costly mistakes that drive up the price. Hidden fees, poor timing, and assuming the cheapest ticket is the best deal can lead to unnecessary expenses. By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can make smarter decisions and keep more money in your pocket for the fun parts of your trip. Here are some of the most frequent booking mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not Checking for Resort Fees
Las Vegas hotels are notorious for adding daily resort fees, which can make a seemingly cheap hotel much more expensive than expected.
- Some hotels advertise cheap rooms but add daily resort fees – These fees can range from $30 to $50 per night and are often not included in the initial booking price.
- Factor in the total cost before booking – Always check the full price, including taxes and fees, before confirming your reservation.
- Consider staying off-Strip – Hotels in Downtown Las Vegas and some local casino resorts have lower or no resort fees.
- Ask if resort fees can be waived – Some hotels remove them for loyalty members, military personnel, or during special promotions.
- Use points for hotel stays – If you have hotel loyalty points, you may be able to cover resort fees with rewards.
Assuming Budget Airlines Are Always Cheaper
Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier may have the lowest base fares, but hidden costs can add up quickly.
- Check total costs, not just base fares – Baggage fees, seat selection, and other add-ons can make these airlines more expensive than traditional carriers.
- Consider the value of free perks – Southwest, for example, includes two free checked bags, which may make it a better deal.
- Look at airport locations – Some budget carriers fly into smaller airports, requiring costly transfers.
- Check cancellation and change policies – Budget airlines often have strict, non-refundable ticket rules, meaning you’ll lose your money if you need to cancel.
- Factor in onboard costs – Food, drinks, and even carry-ons can cost extra on ultra-low-cost airlines, making them less budget-friendly in the long run.
Making Your Trip to Las Vegas Affordable and Enjoyable
Scoring a cheap flight to Las Vegas is just the beginning of a budget-friendly trip. By booking at the right time, using fare comparison tools, taking advantage of airline promotions, and avoiding hidden fees, you can significantly cut your travel costs. Once you arrive, being mindful of transportation, accommodations, and entertainment expenses will help you stretch your budget even further.
Las Vegas offers an unforgettable experience, whether you’re here for world-class entertainment, thrilling casino action, or simply to explore the city’s unique attractions. With the right planning and smart travel strategies, you can enjoy all that Sin City has to offer without overspending. Now that you have the best tips and tricks, you’re ready to book your flight and make the most of your Vegas adventure—without breaking the bank!
