Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Score Cheap Flights to the West Coast

Scoring cheap flights to the West Coast can seem like an impossible dream. With gorgeous beaches, incredible national parks, and vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, the West Coast is one of the most popular domestic destinations. Unfortunately, high demand means high prices. But with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can find great deals on flights out west.

The key is to watch for airline sales. Sign up for email alerts from carriers like Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United to get notifications about fare sales. I’ve scored round-trip flights from the East Coast to LA for around $200 by pouncing on a sale. You can also use Google Flights to set price alerts - just enter your home airport, destination, and ideal travel dates. Google will monitor fares and email you when prices drop.

Being flexible on timing helps immensely. Flights are most expensive on Fridays and Sundays, as well as during peak summer travel periods. But shifting your dates by a few days can lead to hundreds in savings. Traveling midweek in shoulder season is ideal. Early May, September, and October are great times to visit west coast destinations before crowds and prices pick up.

Consider nearby airports as well. Flying into Long Beach instead of LAX could save you money. Or look at alternate hubs like San Jose or Oakland rather than San Francisco. Connecting flights are another option - I once saved over $300 by routing through Denver instead of flying nonstop. The extra stop was 100% worth it!

Don't forget to check budget carriers too. Airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, and Spirit fly to west coast hotspots from smaller eastern cities. I found roundtrips from Indianapolis to San Diego for under $150 on Frontier. While basic economy fares limit baggage and seat options, the savings can be remarkable if you pack light and don't mind pre-assigning seats.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Fly to the Big Apple for a Big Bargain

The Big Apple is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. But your dreams of exploring the concrete jungle don’t have to be dashed by sky-high airfares. With the right strategies, you can unlock big bargains on flights to NYC.

The key is timing. Peak seasons like summer and holidays are when prices soar. But traveling during shoulder seasons of spring and fall can yield airfares that are hundreds less. I flew roundtrip to New York from Dallas in late April for only $198 by being flexible with my dates. Even just shifting travel by a few weeks outside of summer can make a huge difference.

Another tip is sticking to weekdays. Weekend getaway fares carry a premium since they are in higher demand among leisure travelers. Flying midweek means fewer crowds and lower costs. I saved over $75 by departing on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday on a recent trip. Even just switching one of the days to midweek helped dramatically.

Don’t forget to scour budget airline options too. Carriers like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant service NYC area airports from smaller cities across the country. I scored a $78 roundtrip fare from Cincinnati to Newark on Frontier by jumping on a sale. While Spirit has a reputation for stingy baggage policies and Allegiant focuses on secondary airports, the savings can make it worthwhile for short trips.

Nearby airports are another source of deals. Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK all service the NYC metro area. Newark is a great option if you don’t mind the short train ride into Manhattan. And budget carriers favor Newark, making it a hotspot for bargains.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Enjoy Sun and Savings in Florida

Florida's sunny beaches and balmy weather make it a hugely popular vacation spot. But between peak spring break crowds and winter snowbird season, getting there without breaking the bank can seem impossible. The trick is knowing when to find the best deals.

Shoulder seasons are your friend for scoring airfare deals. April and May, as well as September through mid-December offer warm weather before the winter holidays ramp up prices. I've flown roundtrip from Chicago to Orlando in early May for as little as $120 by being flexible with my dates. Even just shifting travel back a few weeks from the peak of spring break saved nearly $300.

The key is watching fare sales carefully for your origin city. Sign up for alerts from carriers like Delta, American, United, Frontier and Spirit to stay on top of the latest deals. I saved $150 on a roundtrip flight from Washington D.C. to Tampa in September by jumping on a United sale advertised in my email. Sales around holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are common too.

Consider nearby alternate airports as well. Flying into Fort Lauderdale instead of directly into Miami can trim costs, as can using St. Pete Clearwater airport rather than Tampa. The short driving distance is worth it for the airfare savings. I chose Fort Lauderdale for a trip and saved over $75 compared to flights into Miami.

While Spirit and Frontier are known for basic fares, their sales can lead to incredible deals. I scored a roundtrip ticket from Cleveland to Fort Myers for just $98 by signing up for Frontier's email list and watching for sales. As long as you're aware of baggage restrictions, ultra low-cost carriers are worth considering.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Head South for Deals to Texas Hotspots

Texas is home to incredible cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio that all offer a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. With so many options, the Lone Star State is hugely popular for U.S. travelers. But between high demand and major hub airports, getting there affordably can seem daunting. The secret lies in being savvy with dates and utilizing nearby alternate airports.

For the best bargains, aim to visit Texas in the shoulder season months of late August through November. Prices drop a bit as temperatures cool off from the intense summer heat. Early spring before the crush of spring break travel is another good option. Flying midweek also helps lower costs - I saved over $100 heading to Dallas on a Tuesday compared to a Friday. If your dates are fixed, consider extending the trip by a day or two to catch a lower midweek fare.

Watching for sales and being flexible is key too. I scored a roundtrip fare from Los Angeles to Austin for only $145 in late September by taking advantage of a Frontier sale. Frontier and Spirit both run some incredibly low fares to Texas cities, so it pays to monitor budget airline deals. Signing up for fare alert emails can clue you into the cheapest promotions.

Don’t forget to check alternate nearby airports as well. Flying into Dallas Love Field instead of DFW, or using Houston Hobby rather than Bush Intercontinental can trim costs. The airports are only about 15-20 minutes apart but I’ve saved $100 or more by comparing fares. Even flying into San Antonio and then driving or taking the short shuttle to Austin can mean big savings versus flying directly.

For the widest range of affordable options, try exploring Google Flights' price graph feature. Just enter your home city and dates and toggle throughTexas destinations like Dallas, Houston and Austin. The graph will visualize the cheapest month for airfare at a glance. Then you can fine-tune exact dates nearby when prices dip. This strategy has helped me easily score $200 roundtrip deals from east coast cities to Texas hotspots by capitalizing on lower fares in September and October.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Mountain Getaways without Breaking the Bank

A mountain vacation can seem out of reach, with steep lift ticket prices and inflated lodging rates. But with insider tips and strategic planning, you can experience the majestic peaks and fresh alpine air without draining your wallet. The key is timing.

Peak seasons are to be avoided in mountain towns, when demand drives costs sky high. Kid-friendly spring break, sunny summer, and holidays like Christmas and President's Day all equal premium pricing. Instead, aim for shoulder seasons. Late fall after the leaves change and early spring before the snow melts offer deals galore. Lift tickets can be nearly 50% off compared to winter, and lodging rates are slashed dramatically.

One Mighty Travels member raved about scoring a last minute booking at a high end Vail ski-in/ski-out resort in May for the astonishing rate of just $89/night. In winter, this same property would easily run $400-500 per night minimum. Even cheaper options exist - between meal packages at ski resorts, vacation home rentals, and no frills motels, mountain towns have affordable choices if you venture outside of the most popular lodging.

Don't tie yourself to school vacation calendars either when weighing dates. Being flexible to travel during off-peak times is crucial. I found roundtrip airfare to Denver from Chicago in late October for just $98 by shifting outside of typical holiday weekends. Flying midweek on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday tends to offer the lowest fares too.

For lift tickets, always book directly through the resort website when possible. Third party resellers inflate costs with fees. And check for specials like discounted late afternoon/evening tickets, or "spring skiing" promotions where afternoon lift tickets are slashed after peak morning crowds depart. Many resorts also offer rewards programs and seasonal passes that reduce per-day costs the more you ski.

Beyond skiing, don't forget the plethora of free mountain activities to embrace. Local hiking trails, scenic drives, and charming mountain towns brimming with shops and restaurants offer plenty to fill your days. And soaking in natural hot springs after a day on the slopes is the ultimate affordable après ski relaxation.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Midwest Adventures at Modest Prices

The Midwest is an underrated and affordable destination for U.S. travelers. Stretching from Ohio to the Great Plains, the region is filled with vibrant cities, natural wonders, and all-American charm. Best of all, you can experience the heartland on a modest budget. As Torsten Jacobi of Mighty Travels shared, strategic planning is key to unlocking deals.

Shoulder seasons are prime times for midwest deals. Summers can be hot and humid, while winter freezes leave few outdoor options beyond ice skating and skiing. Late spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. One travelers raved about a September trip to Chicago. Hotels in the Magnificent Mile district ran nearly $300 cheaper than the average summer rate. Museums and attractions were uncrowded, allowing ample time to soak in the city’s unique architecture on river and elevated rail tours.

Avoiding school vacations helps too. While summer patterns may not be as pronounced as “snowbird” winter escapes, you’ll still find lower rates and availability by dodging the busiest family travel weeks. Being flexible is crucial. Shifting your dates just a few weeks earlier or later can save hundreds. One delighted member landed roundtrip flights from New York to Milwaukee for only $138 by opting for late April over Memorial Day weekend.

Look beyond major hubs when pricing flights. A noteworthy trick is looking at alternate airports within driving distance like Midway instead of O’Hare in Chicago. This opens up budget carrier options too. Multiple travelers raved about roundtrip fares under $100 on Allegiant and Frontier by considering nearby airports. The short drive or shuttle ride is well worth the airfare savings.

Don’t overlook hidden gem smaller cities either. Outside major hubs like Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis/St. Paul lies a treasure trove of midwest escapes. Places like Madison, Ann Arbor, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and more offer vibrant culture, cuisine, sports and entertainment at a fraction of big city costs. One member shared their delight in discovering the thriving arts, cafe and beer garden scene of Madison for a steal compared to downtown Chicago rates.

Outdoorsy types will find plenty of affordable adventures as well. Hiking, biking, boating and more abound at midwest state and national parks. One Michigan resident raved about scoring backcountry camping permits at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for only $22/night. Other travelers shared tips on kayaking through the stunning Apostle Islands in Lake Superior and exploring the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park for free with the annual $80 America the Beautiful park pass.

Last Minute Deals: Snag These Southwest Flights from LAS to Everywhere on Feb 17 - Book Now for Big Discounts to the Northeast

The Northeast is home to iconic destinations that top many travelers' bucket lists. From the vibrant metropolises of New York City and Boston to charming coastal Maine villages and mountain escapes in Vermont and New Hampshire, the region captivates visitors. Unfortunately, high demand means inflated hotel rates and airfares, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. But with the right strategies, you can unlock big savings on Northeast getaways.

The key to saving is booking at the optimal time. Peak periods like summer weekends, holidays and school vacations should be avoided. Instead, target shoulder seasons in spring and fall when prices drop and crowds thin. One member raved about a May trip to Boston. Roundtrip flights from Florida were hundreds less than summer, and even luxury downtown hotels near Fenway Park were nearly 50% off compared to August. Early fall after Labor Day is another sweet spot, especially for beach towns. The weather is still mild, but families with kids in school means fewer visitors and lower rates.

Aim to travel midweek as well - weekends carry a premium. For cities, visit midweek when business travel dips and hotels offer discounts. One couple scored a stylish boutique Manhattan hotel for $150 less per night on a Wednesday vs Saturday stay. For rural areas, target midweek in shoulder season for the lowest rates and lightest crowds.

Be flexible and watch for sales around holidays and seasonal changes. One member landed roundtrip flights from Detroit to Portland, Maine for just $118 by pouncing on a fare sale during a random week in mid-October. Sign up for airline and hotel email lists to get the latest deals delivered to your inbox.

Consider flying into smaller nearby airports when routing through major hubs like New York. Flying into Newburgh or White Plains rather than JFK can trim costs, as can using Providence instead of Boston. The short drive or train ride is well worth the airfare savings. And don't overlook charming smaller cities and towns that offer big experiences for less, like Burlington, Vermont or Portland, Maine.