If you’re dreaming of an affordable getaway to Las Vegas from OKC, look no further! In this article, we’ll unveil some helpful tips and tricks to help you secure those much-desired cheap flights. From comparing prices to being flexible with your travel dates, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to jet off to Sin City without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!
Best Time to Book
Booking in Advance
When it comes to finding the best deals on flights, booking in advance can often be the key. Airlines usually release their flight schedules and fares about 11 months in advance, so booking early can give you access to the lowest prices. While there is no exact formula for how far in advance to book, it is generally recommended to book domestic flights around three months in advance and international flights around six months in advance. By planning ahead and securing your tickets early, you have a better chance of snagging the best deals and avoiding price hikes as the departure date approaches.
Booking Last Minute
While booking in advance can often save you money, there are times when booking last minute can also lead to great deals. Airlines often offer discounted fares on flights that still have unsold seats close to the departure date. However, booking last minute can be a bit of a gamble, as availability may be limited and prices can fluctuate rapidly. If you have a flexible schedule and can afford to wait until the last minute, you might be able to score a fantastic deal. But if you have specific travel dates or a limited budget, it’s usually best to book in advance to ensure you get the flights you want at a reasonable price.
Using Fare Alerts
Fare alert services are an excellent tool for staying updated on the latest deals and price drops for your desired flight routes. These services allow you to sign up for email notifications or push notifications on your smartphone when fares drop below a certain threshold. By setting up fare alerts, you can monitor price changes and take advantage of discounted fares as soon as they become available. With the convenience of getting notified directly to your inbox or phone, you won’t have to constantly check for price updates manually, allowing you to stay one step ahead in finding the best deals on flights.
Flexible Travel Dates
Searching for Cheapest Dates
If your travel plans are flexible, you have a significant advantage in finding cheaper flights. The price of flights can vary greatly depending on the day of the week and the time of year. To find the cheapest dates to fly, you can use various online tools and flight search engines that allow you to view a calendar displaying the prices for different departure and return dates. By selecting the most affordable dates, you can save a substantial amount of money on your airfare. Keep in mind that weekdays such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have lower demand and can often result in lower prices.
Using Fare Calendars
Fare calendars are another helpful tool for travelers with flexible travel dates. These calendars provide a broader overview of the fares available across a specific month or even year, allowing you to compare prices and make an informed decision on when to book your flights. With fare calendars, you can quickly identify the cheapest days to travel and plan your trip accordingly. Keep in mind that prices on fare calendars are typically based on the average cost for that month, so there may still be fluctuations in price within each day depending on other factors such as demand and availability.
Alternate Airports
Considering Nearby Airports
When searching for cheaper flights, it’s worth considering airports near your origin or destination. Many cities have multiple airports, and depending on the route, using a nearby airport may offer better deals or more convenient flight options. While it may take a bit more time and effort to travel to or from a different airport, the potential savings can be significant. Be sure to compare the costs of transportation to and from alternate airports to ensure that the overall savings outweigh the additional travel logistics.
Using Flight Comparison Sites
Flight comparison sites are invaluable resources for finding the best deals across different airlines and airports. These sites allow you to input your departure and destination cities, and they will provide you with a list of available flights from various airlines, including those offered by low-cost carriers. By using flight comparison sites, you can see the prices for flights from different airports and find the most cost-effective options. Additionally, these sites often offer filters and sorting options to help you narrow down your search based on factors such as price, airline, and travel duration.
Optimal Route Selection
Direct vs Connecting Flights
When booking your flights, you may have the option to choose between direct or connecting flights. Direct flights are those that take you from your origin to your destination without any stops along the way. On the other hand, connecting flights involve a layover at an intermediate airport before reaching your final destination. While direct flights are often more convenient and time-efficient, they are not always the cheapest option. Connecting flights can sometimes be significantly cheaper, especially if you are willing to endure a longer travel time. When selecting your route, consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences to find the optimal balance between convenience and cost.
Long Layovers vs Short Layovers
If you opt for a connecting flight, you may encounter the decision between long layovers and short layovers. A long layover refers to a substantial amount of time spent at the intermediate airport, often several hours or even overnight. While long layovers can be seen as an inconvenience, they can also present an opportunity to explore the city during your wait. Some airlines even offer free or discounted city tours for passengers with long layovers. On the other hand, short layovers allow for quick transfers between flights, minimizing waiting time at the airport. When deciding between long and short layovers, consider your preferences for exploring new destinations, the availability of amenities at the airport, and the overall cost savings.
Airline Promotions and Deals
Signing up for Airlines’ Newsletters
Airlines frequently offer exclusive deals and promotions to their loyal customers and subscribers. By signing up for the newsletters and email updates of different airlines, you can stay informed about upcoming sales, discounts, and special offers. These newsletters often provide early access to booking windows or limited-time promo codes that can help you secure discounted fares. By keeping an eye on your inbox, you’ll be among the first to know about any potential flight deals, allowing you to take advantage of them before they sell out.
Monitoring Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become powerful tools for airlines to engage with their customers and promote their latest deals. Many airlines use their social media channels to announce flash sales, limited-time promotions, and discounted fares. By following airlines on these platforms, you can stay updated on their latest offers and even participate in contests or giveaways. Additionally, some airlines may offer exclusive discounts or promo codes for their followers, giving you the opportunity to save even more on your flights.
Using Flight Search Engines
Comparing Prices on Multiple Search Engines
Flight search engines play a crucial role in helping travelers find the best flight deals by comparing prices across different airlines and travel agencies. To ensure you’re getting the most competitive prices, it’s recommended to use multiple flight search engines and compare the results. Each search engine may have access to different airlines or may display prices differently, so it’s important to cast a wide net to find the best deals. By comparing prices on multiple platforms, you can confidently book your flights knowing that you’ve explored all your options.
Using Filters and Sort Options
Flight search engines often allow users to apply filters and sorting options to customize their search results. These features can help you narrow down your options based on specific criteria such as price range, departure time, airline preference, or number of stops. For example, if you prioritize non-stop flights or have a specific airline loyalty, you can use the filters to refine your search accordingly. Sorting options can help you prioritize results based on factors such as price, duration, or departure time, making it easier to identify the most suitable flights for your needs.
Booking Websites and Promo Codes
Comparing Prices on Booking Websites
In addition to flight search engines, there are also various online booking websites that aggregate flights from different airlines. These websites allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and can often offer additional discounts or package deals. When researching flights, it’s essential to check multiple booking websites, as prices may vary between platforms due to different fees or promotions. By doing your due diligence and comparing prices, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal on your flights.
Using Promo Codes and Coupons
Promo codes and coupons can be a great way to secure additional savings on your flight bookings. Many booking websites, airlines, and even credit card companies offer promo codes or unique discount offers that you can apply during the checkout process. These codes are typically issued for a limited time and may provide a percentage or fixed amount discount on your airfare. Before finalizing your booking, be sure to search for available promo codes and coupons that you can utilize to reduce the cost of your flights.
Midweek and Red-Eye Flights
Opting for Midweek Flights
Flight prices tend to be highest during weekends and peak travel seasons. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider opting for midweek flights to take advantage of lower demand and potentially lower prices. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the least busy days for air travel, so you may find better deals by flying during these midweek days. By avoiding the weekend rush, you not only have a greater chance of saving money but also experience a more relaxed and less crowded travel experience.
Considering Red-Eye Flights
Red-eye flights, referring to overnight flights, can also be a budget-friendly option for travelers. These flights depart late at night or in the early hours of the morning and tend to be less popular due to their unconventional schedules. However, red-eye flights often come with lower prices as airlines try to fill seats during off-peak times. While it may mean sacrificing some sleep, red-eye flights can be an excellent way to save money while maximizing your time at your destination. Just be sure to factor in the potential effects of a disrupted sleep schedule when planning your itinerary.
Utilizing Travel Aggregator Sites
Comparing Prices Across Different Aggregators
Travel aggregator sites are online platforms that gather and display various travel options, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, in one place. These sites allow you to compare prices across different aggregators, enabling you to find the best deals without having to visit multiple websites. By inputting your travel details, such as destination and dates, travel aggregator sites can generate a list of available flights from multiple sources, giving you a comprehensive view of the options available. This makes it easier to compare prices and choose the most cost-effective flights for your journey.
Using Advanced Search Tools
Many travel aggregator sites offer advanced search tools to further refine your flight search. These tools allow you to specify preferences such as preferred airlines, specific departure times, durations, or even layover durations. By utilizing these advanced search options, you can narrow down the results to meet your specific requirements and avoid sifting through irrelevant flights. Whether you’re looking for direct flights, short layovers, or a specific airline, using advanced search tools can streamline your search process and ensure you find the most suitable flights for your trip.
Leveraging Loyalty Programs
Joining Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs are loyalty programs offered by airlines to reward their loyal customers with various benefits such as flight upgrades, free checked bags, access to airport lounges, and even discounted or free flights. Joining frequent flyer programs can be a valuable strategy for regular travelers or those planning multiple trips. Accumulating miles or points through these programs allows you to redeem them for future flights, potentially saving you a significant amount of money. Additionally, frequent flyer programs often provide exclusive offers and promotions to their members, giving you access to discounted fares before the general public.
Using Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards offer another way to leverage loyalty programs and save money on flights. These credit cards are often affiliated with specific airlines or travel partners and allow you to earn miles or points with every purchase. Over time, these accumulated miles or points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses. Travel credit cards may also provide additional perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, or access to airport lounges, enhancing your overall travel experience. Before choosing a travel credit card, compare the benefits, fees, and earning potential to find the one that best aligns with your travel needs and preferences.
By utilizing the strategies and resources outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can increase your chances of finding cheap flights from OKC to Las Vegas or any other destination. Remember to plan ahead, stay flexible with your travel dates, consider alternate airports, compare prices across different platforms, and take advantage of loyalty programs and promotions. With a combination of research, flexibility, and a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to scoring the best deals on your upcoming flights. Bon voyage!