Flight prices to Vegas up from other locations?

[cowboy2024]

Somewhat off topic from this forum, but....I’ve noticed a sharp spike in flight costs from Chicago > Vegas since Mid-August as compared to prior years. I could usually find a flight on a random weekend (Thurs - Sun) for $250 - $350 roundtrip. However, this year prices are in the $450 - $700 range through – Feb. Are flight prices to Vegas up across the board or is it only Chicago routes?

[Jhaulotte]

Milwaukee to Vegas is up a little bit, but not double like youre seeing. My trip is up about 50 bucks roundtrip on Southwest. Maybe you should drive north and fly out of MKE. I mean if its 200 to 300 cheaper why not?

[Chuck]

It's been a while since I've paid full price for a SW flight. If you sign up for a SW Visa you get like 50,000 miles off the bat.
Use it for groceries, gas, whatever you usually pay cash for. We usually rack up four free round-trip flights per year using our
SW Visa. You get double points when you pay for your SW flight with your SW visa, oh and double for drinks on the flight also.

I have noticed rates a little higher this year, and fewer bargain basement prices. People are traveling more, so they're not having to give away seats as much.

[JCase]

I know it's not the reason for such high prices but there's a new mandate out there that all airfares have to be shown including taxes and fees. People would see $49 rates each way but would end up paying $150+ at the end. Flights in general seem to have gone up and it might be because airlines are going bankrupt or bought out.

[KristinK]

I heard on the news that all the airlines were raising their pricing across the board.

[Rival2378]

I read that the new terminal 3 at LAS is resulting in an increase in ticket prices for flights into Vegas across the board. LAS stepped up the fees they charge carriers, etc

[cowboy2024]

@Jhaulotte: I've considered that but I live downtown Chicago and have no need for a car, so I recently sold mine. I think the cost of a rental car / train would wipe out any savings. Too bad, since MKE is a breeze to fly out of compared to ORD!

I should have mentioned I only fly United / Star Alliance partners (but prices on Delta, AA, SW are comparable). I have a good number of miles, but I am always reluctant to use those on domestic flights as I think they provide greater value when used on international routes. I may just have to suck it up and either pay higher prices or use some of my treasured points!

[Chali2Na]

Passenger demand has gone up but the number of flights hasn't increased. I used to consistently get to Vegas from Seattle (flying Alaska) anywhere from $79 to $99 (after tax) last year. This year, it's been a different story. Didn't matter what time of year.

And to add to the previous comment, it's a bloodbath between airlines for gate space at McCarron. Everyone wants to fly in there, and it's not a very big airport. Airlines are starting to pass those higher fees to the customers more and more now, especially with the increase in demand.

[Jhaulotte]

@Jhaulotte: I've considered that but I live downtown Chicago and have no need for a car, so I recently sold mine. I think the cost of a rental car / train would wipe out any savings. Too bad, since MKE is a breeze to fly out of compared to ORD!

I should have mentioned I only fly United / Star Alliance partners (but prices on Delta, AA, SW are comparable). I have a good number of miles, but I am always reluctant to use those on domestic flights as I think they provide greater value when used on international routes. I may just have to suck it up and either pay higher prices or use some of my treasured points!

We drive from Green Bay to Milwaukee for our flights. Roughly 1h45m each way, but saves 200/pp. Plus it's direct.