I’ve flown into Las Vegas more times than I can count, and every descent still gives me goosebumps—the ochre desert unfurling like a velvet carpet, the Strip drawing a glittering neon line in the sand, that tiny jolt just before touchdown when the engines spool down and you feel, in your bones, “We’re really doing this.” Las Vegas isn’t just a place; it’s a mood swing, a color grade, a vibe. And your flight sets the tone.
This guide is my long, honest, first-person field report on flying from Los Angeles to Las Vegas: which airlines deliver, what the seats feel like, how the fares break down, and which add-ons are worth it. I’ll walk you through the exact flight I took most recently (economy, with every little detail I wished I’d known), then I’ll recommend four other great flight options (including from alternative LA-area airports), share fare examples for one-way and round-trip tickets, the discounts and booking platforms that actually save money, plus airport intel on both ends—because a smooth Vegas weekend starts with a smooth hop over the Mojave.
My Flight: Southwest Airlines LAX → LAS (Economy, “Wanna Get Away Plus”)
- Airline: Southwest Airlines
- Route: LAX (Los Angeles) → LAS (Las Vegas/Harry Reid International)
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (two overwing exits per side, 3-3 seating)
- Cabin: Economy (Southwest has a single cabin), fare: Wanna Get Away Plus
- Scheduled flight time: ~1 hour 10 minutes (airborne ~45–55 minutes)
- Why I chose it: Two free checked bags, flexible same-day standby with Wanna Get Away Plus, and Southwest’s famously friendly crews. Also: lots of frequency, easy to rebook if plans shift.
Booking the ticket (and why I didn’t overthink it)
I booked two weeks out on Southwest.com (Southwest doesn’t list fares on most meta-search sites). The fare matrix showed:
- Wanna Get Away: starting around $69–$89 one-way for midweek.
- Wanna Get Away Plus: my pick at $99–$119 one-way on the morning flights.
- Anytime: usually $169–$209.
- Business Select: $229–$279+.
I went for Wanna Get Away Plus at $109 because I like the same-day confirmed change and 2× Rapid Rewards earning boost, and I was pretty sure I’d check a bag on the way back (hello, outlet shopping). On Southwest, two checked bags are free no matter the fare. That alone can beat a “cheaper” low-fare carrier once you add luggage.
Tip: If you’re flexible, peek at the Low Fare Calendar on Southwest. The price swings by day are often dramatic—Tuesdays and Wednesdays regularly undercut Fridays by $40–$80 round-trip.
Getting to LAX (and surviving it)
I took the FlyAway bus from Union Station to LAX (credit card on board, typically around $10–$12), which kept the day simple and spared me rideshare surge pricing. At LAX I headed to Terminal 1 (Southwest’s home), where security has been noticeably faster since the remodel. I have TSA PreCheck; my queue took under 10 minutes at 9:00 a.m. Without PreCheck, budget a little more time, especially on Fridays.
Boarding: The great Southwest ritual
Southwest boards by groups (A/B/C) and numbers (1–60). I checked in right at T-24 via the app and drew B-20—not premium, not terrible. The open-seating scramble is part strategy, part lottery. I slipped into a window just behind the wing—my favorite seat to watch the desert scroll by.
Tip: If you don’t want to stress the 24-hour check-in alarm, buy EarlyBird Check-In (~$15–$25) or Upgraded Boarding at the gate if available (prices vary). You’ll board earlier and improve your shot at that window or aisle.
The seat & cabin feel
Southwest’s 737-800 has ~31–32″ of pitch and about 17″ width. On a sub-hour hop it’s perfectly fine; knee room felt decent, and the cabin had that clean, bright Southwest look. Overhead bins swallowed my carry-on easily (I brought a duffel this time to leave room for shopping later).
Service, Wi-Fi, and snacks
The crew was classic Southwest—fast with the jokes, faster with the water/coffee/soft drink service, and a generous snack hand-off (pretzels or snack mix). Messaging is free; Wi-Fi was $8 for the day (I streamed Spotify fine and answered a few emails). The live TV worked smoothly; I toggled between a baseball game and the moving map like the avgeek I am.
The vibe (and the view)
We pushed back five minutes early, rocketed off runway 24L, and banked north. The view framed downtown LA like a diorama before the San Gabriels took over and the landscape faded into that gorgeous desert palette. Total airborne time: 51 minutes. On descent, the Strip slid into view like a circuit board lit for the gods—Mandalay Bay, Luxor’s beam, Allegiant Stadium’s black oval. That little flutter of anticipation? Still gets me.
Arrival at LAS (Harry Reid International)
We parked at Concourse C (Terminal 1). Southwest often uses T1; Delta/United/American typically use Terminal 1 or 3 depending on gates, while international carriers go Terminal 3. Bags dropped fast (I didn’t check this time), and I made my way to:
- Rideshare pick-up: Signed “T1 Ride Share” on Level 2 of the parking garage (follow the floor decals).
- Rental Cars: The Rental Car Center sits offsite; take the blue shuttle from the terminal curb every few minutes.
Curb to Strip: 10–20 minutes depending on which end of the Strip you’re hitting; $12–$25 via rideshare off-peak, more during big events.
The bill & whether it felt worth it
- Fare (WGA Plus): $109
- Wi-Fi: $8 (optional)
- Bags: $0 (two checked bags included, even though I didn’t check outbound)
- FlyAway bus: ~$10–$12
- LAS rideshare to the Strip: $18 mid-day
All in, ~$145 door to door—and I landed relaxed. For me, Southwest scored a clean sweep on value, flexibility, speed, and mood-boosting crew energy. That last part matters: you want to arrive in Vegas smiling, not calculating luggage penalties in your head.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip: What I Actually Check (with Realistic Price Ranges)
I never rely on a single search. My routine:
- Google Flights for the quick matrix of times/prices across airlines.
- Airline’s own site/app (for better change policies or hidden promos).
- Southwest.com separately (not shown in most meta-search).
- Hopper or Skyscanner if my dates are wildly flexible and I want alerts.
Typical, realistic one-way ranges LAX↔LAS (assuming you avoid holidays/conventions):
- Budget carriers (Spirit/Frontier): $19–$69 base fare; add $30–$60 for carry-on/checked bag each way if you need it; seat selection extra.
- Southwest: $69–$149 (bags included; book direct).
- Legacy carriers (Delta/American/United/Alaska): $59–$139 Basic Economy; $89–$179 Main Cabin.
- Mint/First/Business (rare on this hop): You’ll mostly see First on legacies, $199–$399 one-way close-in; upgrades sometimes clear for elites.
Round-trip can dip to $98–$158 on sale for legacies/Southwest, but Fridays and Sundays can double that. Convention weeks (CES, big fight nights, F1, Super Bowl, March Madness) will blow the ceiling off—book early or fly off-peak hours.
Pro move: Mix airports. Fly Burbank (BUR) → LAS Friday morning (less stress, smaller airport), return LAS → LAX Monday mid-morning for more frequency and often cheaper fares.
Four Flights I Recommend (and Why)
I like to tailor the choice to the kind of Vegas trip you’re doing. Here are four flights/combos that consistently deliver:
1) Delta Air Lines: LAX → LAS on the A220 (Main Cabin or Comfort+)
- Why I like it: The A220 is a gem—wider seats (~18.5″), big windows, quiet cabin, seat-back screens, and free messaging. Delta Comfort+ gives a tad more legroom (~34″), earlier boarding, and dedicated overhead space—worth it if you’re toting a carry-on for a long weekend.
- Fare clue: $69–$129 Main Cabin midweek; $25–$39 to bump to Comfort+ on off-peak flights.
- Best for: Travelers who want a premium-lite feel without paying First.
2) Alaska Airlines: BUR → LAS (E175)
- Why I like it: Burbank (BUR) is a dream—easy security, short walks, cheap rideshare. The E175 regional jet has 2-2 seating (no middles), decent pitch, and a boutique feel. Alaska’s staff and on-time performance have treated me well, and the Mileage Plan partners are useful.
- Fare clue: $59–$109 Main; saver fares sometimes $49–$69.
- Best for: Stress-averse flyers; anyone in the Valley or Eastside.
3) American Airlines: LAX → LAS (Main Cabin, avoid Basic)
- Why I like it: Tons of frequency, good last-minute availability, reliable app. On some flights you’ll get seat-back screens; on others, excellent streaming to device and USB power.
- Fare clue: $59–$129 Basic; $89–$169 Main. I avoid Basic Economy on the way to Las Vegas—carry-on restrictions and last-group boarding are not the vibe.
- Best for: AAdvantage loyalists; travelers chasing upgrades or lounge access via credit cards/status.
4) Southwest Airlines: LGB → LAS (or SNA/ONT)
- Why I like it: Long Beach (LGB) is small, civilized, and frankly charming; Orange County (SNA) and Ontario (ONT) can be clutch for those in OC/IE. With two free checked bags, Southwest crushes group trips (golf bags, shopping hauls, costumes, you do you).
- Fare clue: $69–$149 one-way depending on airport/time.
- Best for: Groups, shoppers, and anyone who values flexibility over assigned seats.
Wildcard: Spirit or Frontier can make sense if you’re truly traveling ultralight (personal item only), can tolerate 28–29″ pitch, and don’t mind buying water/snacks. I’ve done it in a pinch, but I budget time and patience.
Comfort & Fees Cheat Sheet (What It Feels Like on Board)
- Seat Pitch (Legroom):
- Delta Comfort+: ~34″
- Alaska Main: ~31–32″ (Premium Class ~34″)
- Southwest: ~31–32″
- American/United Main: ~30–31″ (Extra/Plus seats ~34–35″)
- JetBlue (if operating your time): ~32–33″ (Even More Space up to ~38″)
- Spirit/Frontier: ~28–29″ (Big Front Seat on Spirit: recliner-style, ~36–37″ pitch, sold as an upgrade)
- Bags:
- Southwest: 2 checked bags free; carry-on free.
- Legacy Main fares: Carry-on free; checked bag ~$35; elites/credit cards may waive.
- Basic Economy (legacies): Carry-on policy varies by airline; boarding last; changes restricted.
- ULCCs (Spirit/Frontier): Personal item free; carry-on $35–$65; checked $35–$75; seat selection extra.
- Wi-Fi:
- Southwest: $8/day, free live TV/app streaming, free messaging.
- Delta/AA/UA/Alaska: Increasingly offering $8–$10 day passes or subscription; Delta rolling out free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members on many routes (check your flight).
- ULCCs: Often paid, speeds vary.
- Snacks & Drinks:
- Southwest/Delta/Alaska/AA/UA: Free soft drinks & snack. Alcohol for purchase.
- ULCCs: Everything for sale; bring a water bottle (fill after security).
Booking Platforms & How I Actually Save Money
- Google Flights: My first stop for time/price scanning and easy date shuffling.
- Southwest.com: Mandatory separate check—great Low Fare Calendar, best change policy.
- Airline apps: Flash promos and same-day change tools are smoother here.
- Hopper / Skyscanner: Price alerts when I’m date-flexible.
- Credit card portals: Sometimes useful if you’re burning points; otherwise, I still prefer booking direct for better irregular-ops support.
Discount playbook I use:
- Book midweek (Tue/Wed flights, and not at 7–9 p.m.).
- Fly early or late on Fridays/Sundays if you must travel peak—fares sometimes drop on the very first/last bank.
- Watch convention calendars (CES, Formula 1, Super Bowl, big residency openings). If those line up with your weekend, book months ahead or change your dates by a day on either side.
- Mix airports (BUR/LGB/SNA/ONT). Your time is money—Burbank alone has saved me enough stress to be “worth” a $10–$20 fare premium.
- Use points smartly. LAX–LAS is a perfect Southwest Rapid Rewards redemption; I’ve booked under 4,000–6,000 points one-way more than once.
Micro-Itineraries: Pair the Flight With Your Plan
- Gamble-and-graze weekend: Southwest out of LGB Friday noon, back on Delta A220 Sunday 10:30 a.m.. Light crowds, premium-lite comfort on the return when you’re tired.
- Pool party & show trip: Alaska BUR → LAS Friday morning, AA LAS → LAX Monday midday (upgrade shot).
- Budget sprint: Frontier LAX → LAS crack-of-dawn with personal item only, Southwest back (bags included after your shopping).
Near-Airport Intel (Both Ends)
Los Angeles–area departure options (choose sanity over habit)
- LAX (Los Angeles International): King of frequency. FlyAway buses from Union Station, Hollywood, Van Nuys. Terminals sprawl; allow extra connection time between them. Pros: endless flights, lounges, late-night food. Cons: crowds, construction, traffic.
- BUR (Hollywood Burbank): My secret weapon. Two compact terminals (A/B), easy TSA, short walks, relatively painless rideshare. Ideal if you’re in Hollywood, Studio City, Glendale, Pasadena.
- LGB (Long Beach): Palm-tree-lined, open-air feel, downright delightful. Security is usually quick; seating cozy. Great for South Bay, OC-adjacent travelers.
- SNA (John Wayne/Orange County): Clean, efficient, business-traveler energy. Close for Newport/Irvine basecamps. Noise restrictions can affect very early/late ops.
- ONT (Ontario): Spacious and often cheaper to park. Perfect if you’re Inland Empire based or returning late when 210/10 are clear.
In Las Vegas: Harry Reid International (LAS)
- Terminals: T1 (Concourse A/B/C) and T3 (Concourse D/E). They’re not connected airside—know your terminal.
- Rideshare: Signed zones in T1 garage Level 2; T3 at the parking garage as well.
- Shuttles/Rental Cars: Frequent blue shuttles to the Rental Car Center; hotel shuttles exist but are less common than in years past.
- Transit: The Deuce and SDX buses cover Strip/Downtown efficiently; buy a 24-hour pass if you’ll hop around.
- Arrivals hack: If you’re traveling with no checked bags and only a personal item, sit toward the front—beating a single tram of passengers to the rideshare zone can save 20–30 minutes at peak.
“What I Wish Someone Told Me” — Little Comfort Hacks
- Hydrate, truly. Vegas air is dry. Fill a bottle after TSA and drink it all on the hop. You’ll thank yourself at the blackjack table later.
- Earbuds & battery. The flight is short; your wait may not be. A tiny power bank keeps you nimble for mobile boarding passes and last-minute rebooks.
- Carry-on vs. checked. If you plan to shop, fly Southwest one way or bring a packable duffel. I’ve dodged so many surprise bag fees this way.
- Seat selection discipline. On legacies, pay $9–$29 for a decent aisle/window if you care; 45 minutes in a bad middle is exactly 45 minutes too long.
- Skip Basic Economy on party weekends. You’ll want flexibility if your group’s plans shift.
My Honest Pros & Cons by Airline (LAX↔LAS)
Southwest
- Pros: Bags free, cheerful crews, easy changes, lots of flights, decent legroom.
- Cons: No assigned seats; boarding anxiety for some; Wi-Fi reliability varies.
Delta
- Pros: A220 comfort is superb; reliable operation; solid soft product; Comfort+ sweet spot.
- Cons: Prices sometimes creep up on peak weekends; Basic Economy penalties.
Alaska
- Pros: Friendly service, BUR/LAX options, E175 no-middle seats, strong on-time record.
- Cons: Frequency can be lighter; premium rows sell out early.
American
- Pros: Tons of frequencies, upgrade opportunities, good app, Admirals Club if you have access.
- Cons: Product can vary by aircraft; Basic Economy restrictions.
United
- Pros: Solid schedule; Polaris lounge at LAX (not for this flight, but if you’re connecting); Economy Plus often cheap day-of.
- Cons: Basic Economy carry-on rules can be a gotcha; terminal shuffle at LAX can add walking.
Spirit/Frontier
- Pros: Dirt-cheap base fares; good for true minimalists.
- Cons: Everything a la carte; tight pitch; volatility on peak weekends. Buy the water.
A Real-World Fare Comparison (Illustrative, but honest)
Let’s say you’re flying Fri–Sun, 2–3 weeks out, not on a convention weekend:
- Southwest (LGB ↔ LAS):
- Outbound Wanna Get Away: $89
- Return Wanna Get Away Plus (for standby flexibility): $119
- Round-trip: $208 (bags free)
- Delta (LAX ↔ LAS) Main Cabin on A220:
- Outbound: $99
- Return: $129
- Round-trip: $228 (carry-on free; checked bag ~$35 each way unless status/card)
- American (LAX ↔ LAS) Main Cabin:
- Outbound: $89
- Return: $119
- Round-trip: $208
- Spirit (LAX ↔ LAS) Bare Fare:
- Outbound: $39
- Return: $49
- Round-trip: $88
- Add carry-on both ways ($40 x 2): +$80
- True total: $168 (still value if you travel with just a personal item)
These patterns mirror what I see most months: ULCCs win if you’re ultra-light and tough; legacies and Southwest win on comfort and predictability; Southwest wins if you’ll check bags or want painless changes.
My “Smooth Flight to Vegas” Checklist
- Pick the right airport near your actual origin in LA. If you live in Pasadena, Burbank will save your sanity.
- Avoid Basic Economy on party weekends; snag Main Cabin/Comfort+ for a small premium.
- Check Southwest separately and peek at the Low Fare Calendar.
- Book the earliest feasible flight outbound; Vegas rooms aren’t hard to occupy early, and you beat lines everywhere.
- Hydrate + snack on the plane—arrive ready to enjoy, not hunt for water.
- Rideshare from LAS unless your hotel still runs a reliable shuttle. The Deuce bus works well if you’re on a budget and not in a rush.
- Leave margin on your return. Security at LAS can spike on Sundays. If you’re flying ULCC, buy your bag online before you get to the airport—cheaper, and you avoid the kiosk scramble.
Nearby Airports Around Las Vegas (Bonus)
While Harry Reid International (LAS) is the main gateway, these nearby fields matter for specific trips:
- Henderson Executive (HND): South of the Strip; mostly private and charter ops. Occasionally useful for on-demand charters or special events.
- North Las Vegas (VGT): GA (general aviation) and scenic flights (Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam). Great for helicopter tours.
- Boulder City (BLD): Launch point for many Grand Canyon/West Rim tours. If a package mentions Boulder City pickup, this is where you’re going.
Set the Tone in the Sky
After so many LAX–LAS trips, I’ve learned that the best airline is the one that matches your plan. Are you rolling in with a crew and costumes? Southwest—bags and flexibility win the day. Chasing a polished, quiet ride before a Michelin-star dinner? Delta on the A220 or Alaska from BUR. Need the cheapest possible seat for a quick hit-and-run? Spirit/Frontier can work if you travel monk-style.
My recent Southwest hop reminded me why I keep returning to them for Las Vegas weekends: the crews crack jokes, the policies are forgiving, the cost is transparent, and I touch down already relaxed—eyes on that skyline, heart already in the game. The right flight doesn’t just get you to Vegas; it preloads your mood. And that, more than seat pitch or soft-drink selection, is what a smooth flight to Las Vegas is really about.
So choose smart, pack light (or pack strategically), drink water, set your check-in alarms, and book a seat that matches the weekend you want. When the engines spool down and the Strip tilts into view, you’ll feel that little jolt of happiness—and you’ll know you did it right.
Safe skies and lucky rolls.
