Dreaming of neon lights, world-class entertainment, and the thrill of the casinos? If you call Bakersfield home, a Las Vegas getaway might be closer than you think. Thousands of people make the trip between Bakersfield and Las Vegas every year, seeking sunshine, excitement, and a break from the everyday. Planning your trip begins with finding the right flight, and that’s where this comprehensive guide comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing flights from Bakersfield to Vegas, covering airlines, flight options, cost considerations, and insider tips for landing the best possible deals. Get ready to trade the Kern River for the Vegas Strip!
Finding convenient and affordable transportation is crucial when planning any trip, especially one to a destination as alluring as Las Vegas. This guide focuses on air travel, but it’s good to remember that there are ground transportation options available upon your arrival in Las Vegas. The information in this article will help you plan the best possible flight experience from Bakersfield, California.
Which Airlines Fly from Bakersfield to Las Vegas?
Navigating the options for flights from Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) requires a bit of knowledge. While direct flights might be the dream, connecting flights are more often the reality for this route. Understanding which airlines operate in the region is the first step to securing your ticket to Vegas.
Several airlines offer connecting flights between Bakersfield and Las Vegas. These flights typically involve a layover at a larger hub airport, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, or Denver International Airport. Let’s explore some of the major players:
- American Airlines: As a major airline, American Airlines frequently offers flights connecting Bakersfield to Las Vegas. You might find yourself transferring through Phoenix, a common hub for American Airlines. Check their website for schedules and potential promotions. The airline offers several flights with different layovers depending on the date, time and connecting location.
- United Airlines: Another major carrier, United Airlines, can be a viable option for flights with connections. Denver is a common connection point for United flights from Bakersfield to Las Vegas. Review their flight options and consider their various fare classes.
- Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines is also a strong contender. While direct flights are rare, the layover locations can be less crowded, such as in Salt Lake City.
- Smaller Regional Airlines: Keep an eye out for smaller regional airlines that may partner with the larger carriers. These airlines might offer connections through smaller airports, potentially leading to slightly lower fares, but do keep in mind, sometimes these airlines have less flexibility with rebooking and other traveler inconveniences.
Remember to visit the websites of these airlines directly to compare prices and flight schedules. Also, consider using flight comparison websites as discussed later in this article to get a broader overview of all available options.
Direct or Connecting Flights: Understanding Your Options
The biggest question when booking your flights Bakersfield to Vegas: will it be a direct flight or a connecting flight? The answer significantly impacts your travel time, convenience, and potentially, your budget.
If you are lucky enough to find a direct flight, the advantages are obvious. Direct flights are the quickest way to get from point A to point B, saving you valuable time that you can spend enjoying the Las Vegas Strip. You also avoid the potential hassle of transferring between planes and the risk of missed connections or lost luggage. The downside is that direct flights, if available, are often more expensive and might have limited departure times.
In reality, most flights from Bakersfield to Las Vegas are connecting flights. This means you’ll have a layover at another airport before continuing to your final destination.
Upsides to Connecting Flights
- Potentially Lower Cost: Connecting flights are frequently less expensive than direct flights, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates and times.
- More Flight Options: Connecting flights offer a wider range of departure times and airlines to choose from, giving you more flexibility in planning your trip.
Downsides to Connecting Flights
- Longer Travel Time: Connecting flights significantly increase your total travel time, which can be tiring, especially if you have a long layover.
- Risk of Delays: Connecting flights increase the risk of delays, as a delay on your first flight can cause you to miss your connecting flight.
- Potential for Lost Luggage: While rare, there’s always a slight risk of lost luggage when transferring between planes.
Tips for Choosing Connecting Flights
When booking a connecting flight, keep these tips in mind:
- Allow Sufficient Layover Time: Give yourself ample time to transfer between flights, especially if you’re flying through a large or unfamiliar airport. Aim for at least an hour and a half to two hours for domestic connections.
- Consider the Airline and Airport: If possible, try to book flights on the same airline or within the same airline alliance to make transfers easier. Also, research the layout of the connecting airport to understand where your next gate is located.
What Affects the Price of Flights from Bakersfield to Vegas?
Understanding the factors that influence flight prices is key to snagging the best deal. Several variables come into play, including the time of year, day of the week, and how far in advance you book.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Flight prices typically fluctuate based on the time of year. Peak seasons, such as holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve) and summer, see the highest demand and therefore, the highest prices. Major conventions and events in Las Vegas also tend to drive up prices. Traveling during the off-season, such as the shoulder months of spring and fall, can often result in significant savings.
Day of the Week
The day of the week you fly can also impact the price. Generally, flying mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) is cheaper than flying on weekends (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). This is because business travelers tend to fly early in the week, while leisure travelers often fly on weekends.
Advance Booking Considerations
Booking your flights well in advance is often recommended, especially for popular travel dates. Airlines tend to release tickets months in advance, and you can often find lower prices by booking early. However, there is also the possibility of last-minute deals. Airlines sometimes reduce prices to fill empty seats as the departure date approaches. However, relying on last-minute deals is risky, as prices can also increase significantly if flights are heavily booked.
Sales and Promotions
Airlines frequently run sales and promotions, offering discounted fares on select routes. Sign up for airline newsletters and follow airlines on social media to be notified of these deals. Flight comparison websites also often highlight current promotions.
Flexibility is Key
If you’re flexible with your travel dates and times, you have a much better chance of finding a good deal. Consider flying on different days of the week or at less popular times of day (e.g., early morning or late evening). Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can sometimes make a significant difference in price.
How to Find the Best Deals on Bakersfield to Vegas Flights
Now that you understand the factors that influence flight prices, let’s dive into specific strategies for finding the best deals.
Harness the Power of Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when searching for cheap flights. These websites aggregate flight information from multiple airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deals. Some popular flight comparison websites include Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Expedia.
- Google Flights: Offers a user-friendly interface and allows you to track flight prices and receive email alerts when prices change.
- Kayak: Allows you to search for flights, hotels, and rental cars, and offers price alerts and explore features.
- Skyscanner: Specializes in finding the cheapest flights, even to obscure destinations, and offers a flexible date search feature.
- Expedia: A well-known travel agency that offers flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.
When using these websites, be sure to use the flexible date search option to see how prices vary across different dates. Also, set up price alerts to be notified when prices drop.
Consider Flying into Alternative Airports
This might not apply directly for Las Vegas, as McCarran International Airport is the main hub.
The Importance of Travel Date Flexibility
(This cannot be stressed enough).
Don’t Discount Budget Airlines
Budget airlines can offer significantly lower fares than traditional airlines, but be aware of the trade-offs. Budget airlines often charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. Be sure to factor these extra costs into your overall budget.
Package Deals: Flight and Hotel Combinations
Consider booking a vacation package that includes flights and a hotel. Sometimes, booking a package deal can be cheaper than booking flights and a hotel separately. Travel agencies often offer discounted package deals, especially for popular destinations like Las Vegas.
Clear Your Browser Cookies
Some travel experts believe that airlines and travel websites track your browsing history and may raise prices if they see that you’ve been searching for flights to a particular destination. Clearing your browser cookies or using a private browsing mode may help you avoid this.
From McCarran International Airport to the Vegas Strip
Once you’ve landed at McCarran International Airport (LAS), you’ll need to get to your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Several transportation options are available:
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive, especially during peak hours. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available and may be cheaper than taxis.
- Airport Shuttles: Airport shuttles offer shared transportation to hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. They are a more affordable option than taxis or ride-sharing, but they can be slower, as they make multiple stops at different hotels.
- Rental Cars: If you plan to explore beyond the Las Vegas Strip, renting a car may be a good option. Several rental car companies have desks at the airport.
- Public Transportation: The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) offers bus service from the airport to various points on the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas. This is the most affordable option, but it’s also the slowest.
Consider the location of your hotel and your budget when choosing a transportation option. Research typical costs and travel times for each method to make the best decision for your specific needs.
Planning Your Vegas Getaway
Securing cheap flights from Bakersfield to Vegas requires research, flexibility, and a bit of savvy. By understanding the factors that influence flight prices and using the tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of finding a great deal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different search strategies and be patient – the perfect flight is out there. Remember to also consider ground transportation options upon arrival. Start planning your Bakersfield to Vegas flight search today, and get ready for an unforgettable experience on the Las Vegas Strip!
