I just found out I need to go to Vegas in two weeks for a wedding. Is Allegiant the best way to go from DSM? Any other suggestions? I don't fly very often.
vegas flight advice
- Thread starter cyclone1975
- Start date
I haven't flown to Vegas in about a year but when I checked they were the cheapest option and they also fly direct. They pretty much charge you for anything possible and don't expect anything to be complimentary as I believe they now charge for carry-ons or they will. Not sure when that goes into effect.
Also keep in mind that Vegas is a 2 hour time difference.
Also keep in mind that Vegas is a 2 hour time difference.
- Mar 27, 2006
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Allegiant is good because it's direct. They can sometimes be cheaper, but not always. Also, you need to factor in the added costs of Allegiant. You will pay extra for everything. They charge you to pick your own seat, for example.
I'm not saying they're bad. They're not. You just need to be prepared for what you're getting into.
Another alternative would be to compare United flights. If you can get a layover in Denver, it makes for two fairly short legs.
Use Kayak.com to compare some prices. I'm going to Vegas in late June and Allegiant was not necessarily the cheapest depending on your flight times. Plus Alelgiant likes to hit you up with some fees on top of the flight such as $15 just to have a carry-on and if you want to pick your seat you may pay around another $10-15+ just for that too. There are so many travel sites out there just do some price comparisons.
For two weeks out Allegiant is probably your best bet. I'm going in a month and they were not the cheapest even before you add on all the stupid fees they charge. I used to use Allegiant for all my flights to Vegas but between their limited days/times, stupid fees, and their horrible web site, I've decided that it's worth it for a short stop-over.
Good advice here. Note that Allegiant is not on Kayak/Expedia/etc so you should go to their website to check the costs.
Also, they only fly on certain dates...we went last month and flew Allegiant to Vegas and United thru Denver back. Cost was about $250.
The direct flight is key IMO. Once you get on the plane, you know you'll be in Vegas in 3 hours.
I always check Kansas City and Omaha as well. Sometimes the price and convenience is worth the extra drive.
Make sure you alert someone at Allegiant ahead of time if you plan on slammin' some brews on the flight. Last time I went to Vegas I drank the stupid plane out of Budweiser!! 
Make sure you alert someone at Allegiant ahead of time if you plan on slammin' some brews on the flight. Last time I went to Vegas I drank the stupid plane out of Budweiser!!
Kinda pricey to like that on the plane. Isn't it like $5 per can?
Yea, all beer is $5 I think. My brother went with me though, and he's an attorney, so I didn't pay for anything. :yes:
Cheaper than the beer IN Vegas, however. Unless, of course, you are one of those people that can actually win. I....am not.
When is the baby due?
Two weeks out you're going to pay through the nose for air fare. But if you NEED to go, you need to go. Don't even worry about it. You're ****ed no matter what. Just book something.
You'll need a substantial savings to make that worthwhile though. Gas isn't cheap right now so factor in the cost of a tank of gas plus your time to drive to and from. In most cases it likely won't be worth it. Can't wait to see what Southwest does to prices when they start flying out of DSM this fall and will have direct flights to Vegas too.
My flight out on a Weds was around $160 (no BS fees) through United with a stop in Denver and coming back on the Sunday was $194 with all the BS fees for a direct flight through Allegiant. The flight back I unfortunately couldn't shop around, my wife is there all week on business travel and that was the flight she booked for return. Only travel costs are my flights and the 2 extra nights for the Friday & Saturday the company is not covering. Nice to be able to do that trip only having to essentially pay for 1 of us to go.
Last time I was in Vegas all you had to do was play to drink for free. Even had microbrews. Doubt if that has changed. If drinking is all you want to do, push some granny off a nickle slot machine and drink away!