Las Vegas draws in travelers from all over, and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re hoping to fly in or out without torching your wallet, you’ve got choices—Spirit Airlines, Frontier, and Avelo are a few of the big names.
These airlines keep fares low and have direct flights, which makes getting to or from Las Vegas a breeze.
Each airline does its own thing. Spirit’s always running some kind of deal, while Frontier hits a bunch of destinations.
Figuring out which one matches your plans can help you land the best price and service. This quick rundown will give you a feel for the top budget airlines in Las Vegas, so you can make a choice that actually works.
You might snag extra savings by booking at the right moment or pouncing on a flash sale. Honestly, a little research goes a long way.
Key Takeaways
- Several budget airlines offer affordable flights from Las Vegas.
- Picking the right airline depends on your travel needs and the deals you find.
- Timing and a bit of planning can help you save even more.
Overview of Budget Airlines in Las Vegas
When you fly out of Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport, you’ll see a handful of budget airlines. They mostly stick to U.S. destinations and almost always cost less than the big guys.
You can pick from non-stop flights, round-trips, or whatever fits your plans.
Top Budget Carriers Serving Harry Reid International
The main budget airlines at Harry Reid International are Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
- Spirit Airlines: Low base fares, tons of domestic routes, but watch out for extra fees on bags and seats.
- Allegiant Air: Direct flights to smaller cities and vacation spots—great if you’re after a getaway.
- Southwest Airlines: Free checked bags and no change fees, which is pretty rare.
- Frontier Airlines: Really cheap tickets, but you’ll pay for extras and their baggage policy is strict.
They all try to undercut traditional carriers, so you can usually find a cheap flight in or out of Las Vegas if you’re flexible.
Range of Destinations from Las Vegas
Most budget airlines out of Las Vegas focus on popular U.S. cities and vacation spots.
- Spirit and Frontier fly to lots of states, including California, Texas, and Florida.
- Allegiant aims for leisure destinations and smaller airports that the bigger airlines often skip.
- Southwest covers a wide network, with non-stops to hubs like Phoenix, Denver, and Los Angeles.
If you’re itching to go international, budget options are pretty thin. For that, you’ll want to check out airlines like American or others. But for U.S. trips, these budget carriers keep things affordable and frequent.
Comparison with Standard Airlines
The big difference between budget and standard airlines at Harry Reid International is the price. Budget airlines have lower ticket prices but charge for things like checked bags, seat selection, and sometimes even carry-ons.
Standard airlines—think American, Southwest, Delta—usually bundle more perks into the ticket price. You might get better flight times, more legroom, or loyalty points.
If you’re all about saving cash and can pack light, budget airlines are hard to beat. But if comfort or flexibility matters more, you might want to shell out for a standard carrier.
Finding the Best Deals on Budget Airlines
Scoring cheap tickets in and out of Las Vegas is all about timing and strategy. Set up price alerts and know which fees to dodge, and you’ll end up with a better deal. If your plans are flexible, you can save even more on one-way or round-trip flights.
How to Book the Cheapest Flights
Check out flight calendars to compare prices across dates. Winter is usually the cheapest time to fly to Las Vegas, as long as you skip the holidays.
Booking a one-way ticket on Spirit or Frontier can be shockingly cheap—sometimes under $30.
Book early if you can, but don’t assume prices will never drop. Occasionally, last-minute deals pop up, though you might risk paying more.
Use travel sites to compare different airlines and times. Look at both nonstop and connecting flights—sometimes a layover saves you a chunk of change.
Tips for Price Alerts and Flexible Travel
Set up price alerts for flights out of Las Vegas. Tons of apps and sites let you track specific routes or dates.
You’ll get a heads-up when prices drop on tickets to Vegas or wherever you’re headed.
If you can be flexible with your travel days or times, you’re more likely to spot the best deals. Flying midweek or at odd hours usually costs less.
Flexible tickets can also let you tweak your plans if you see a better price pop up.
Avoiding Hidden Fees on Budget Airlines
Cheap base fares can be misleading. Watch out for sneaky fees—checked bags, seat selection, even carry-ons sometimes.
Read the airline’s fine print before you book. If you can, stick to just a personal item to dodge extra charges.
Pay for any add-ons during booking, not at the airport, since it’s usually cheaper. Know the baggage rules and check-in policies so you’re not hit with surprise costs later.
Additional Savings and Travel Essentials
Saving on flights is just one piece of the puzzle. You can cut costs by bundling car rentals and hotels, picking the right seat class, getting travel insurance, and maybe even flying into a nearby airport.
Combining Flights with Car Hire and Hotels
Booking your flight, car, and hotel together can save you a decent amount. Lots of sites offer discounts when you bundle.
If you’re planning to check out places beyond the Strip—like the Grand Canyon—a rental car is usually cheaper than paying for taxis or shuttles over and over.
Hotels near downtown or the Strip make it easy to get around. Off-Strip hotels or smaller spots can be a bargain, too.
Some hotels have shuttles to the airport or main attractions, which can save you on rental costs.
Travel Classes and Upgrade Options
Most budget airlines out of Las Vegas stick to economy seats, but you can find premium upgrades if you want a little more comfort.
Premium economy gives you extra legroom and a few perks for a bit more money.
Business class and first-class flights from Las Vegas are mostly on bigger airlines like American or Delta. They’re pricier, but if you’ve got points or spot a promo, upgrading might be worth it.
Travel Insurance and Safety Considerations
Travel insurance is worth considering to protect your trip. It covers things like cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost bags.
If you’re going with budget airlines or package deals, double-check what’s included—some of the cheaper options have tighter rules.
Think about insurance that covers rental car accidents or theft, especially if you’re heading out to places like the Grand Canyon. And with travel rules changing, make sure your policy covers COVID-19 stuff, just in case.
Nearby Airports for More Flight Options
Las Vegas mostly relies on Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Still, if you’re willing to drive a bit, there are other airports nearby that might surprise you with better deals.
Some smaller city airports close to Las Vegas have budget airlines you might not expect. It’s worth checking these out if you’re hunting for cheaper flights, whether you’re staying in the U.S. or heading abroad.
Sometimes, mixing a flight from a nearby airport with a local car rental opens up more options and can save you some cash. It’s not always the obvious choice, but hey, who doesn’t love a good travel hack?