Airlines may be cutting some flights to Las Vegas, but that doesn't mean you can't find a bargain. The city has been reeling from a combination of fewer tourists and an increase in the volume of hotel rooms. This need to fill vacancies translates to discounted hotel room rates and air/hotel packages like the ones we're highlighting below. As always, being flexible — traveling on weekdays, for instance — helps stretch your money even further.
U.S. Airways vacations, from $122 per person
The Real Deal: US Airways has several Vegas specials; the starting rate of $122 is based on round-trip airfare and two nights at the Fitzgeralds Casino & Hotel.
Gateways: Phoenix; add $87 for Seattle, $96 for Dallas, $122 for Orlando, $175 for Boston, and $199 for Philadelphia; additional cities available.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
When: Oct. 8-Dec. 23, 2008.
Fine print: Does not include taxes and fees of about $63 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement starts at $41.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found flights between Phoenix and Las Vegas in mid-October for $172 (US Airways/United). For only $13, more including taxes, you get your accommodations thrown in when you book this deal.
Contact: 800/455-0123, usairwaysvacations.com.
American Airlines vacations, from $148 per person
The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare and two nights' accommodations at the Golden Nugget as part of a special Golden Nugget package.
Gateways: L.A.; add $60 for Dallas, $68 for Chicago, $88 for Boston, $96 for Raleigh, $102 for Miami, $144 for St. Louis, and $148 for New York City.
Book by: Sept. 30, 2008.
When: Through Oct. 31, 2008.
Fine print: Does not include taxes of about $30 per person. Based on double occupancy; package rates for solo travelers are slightly cheaper, starting at about $125. Based on Sunday through Thursday departures; weekends available at a higher cost that varies (in mid-October, weekend departures are about $50 more).
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found flights between L.A. and Las Vegas in mid-October for $159 (United). For $19 more including taxes, American provides the airfare and the two-night hotel stay. There are also some perks: two-for-one buffet coupons for breakfast or lunch, a few free cocktails, and $10 toward slots and matches.
Contact: 800/321-2121, aavacations.com.
Southwest vacations, from $374 per person
The Real Deal: The Best of Las Vegas promotion covers round-trip airfare and three nights' accommodations. As of press time, the lowest-priced package was for a three-night stay at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
BONUS: If you travel between Nov. 2 and Dec. 22, 2008, and stay four nights or longer, you can receive $150 off.
Book by: Oct. 2, 2008.
When: Through Feb. 28, 2009.
Gateways: Austin; additional cities available.
Fine print: Does not include taxes of about $35. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is about $125. Price reflects Wednesday departures; other departures available at a higher rate. Use promo code 75MORE. Note that departure cities, hotels, and prices vary a great deal.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found a flight between Austin and Las Vegas in mid-October for $306 (U.S. Airways). The Excalibur will run you about $243 per room per night in October. All told, if you booked this trip independently, it would cost about $725 per person before taxes.
Contact: 800/243-8372, southwestvacations.com.
Hotel deals
Expedia.com has sales at three properties in Vegas right now: The Flamingo from $68 per room per night, the Luxor from $70 per room per night, and the Bellagio from $179 per room per night.
Travel by: Nov. 24, 2008.
For more specials and money-saving tips, check the official Web site, Vegas.com. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.