Airlines That Fly from MDW to LAS
Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World, beckons with its dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and endless possibilities. If you’re dreaming of exploring the Las Vegas Strip, trying your luck at the casinos, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, your journey may very well begin at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This article is your comprehensive guide to navigating flights from Midway to Las Vegas, helping you discover the best deals and plan a smooth and enjoyable trip. We’ll explore airlines, strategies for saving money, what to expect on your flight, and tips for making the most of your Las Vegas vacation. So, buckle up and get ready to take off on your adventure!
When it comes to flying from Chicago Midway to Las Vegas, one airline often stands out: Southwest Airlines. Southwest frequently offers direct flights between MDW and McCarran International Airport (LAS), making it a popular and convenient choice for travelers.
Southwest is well-known for its customer-friendly policies, including two free checked bags for every passenger, which can be a significant advantage if you plan to pack heavily for your Las Vegas trip. They also offer flexible change policies, allowing you to modify your flight without incurring hefty fees in many cases. Keep an eye on their website for sales and promotions, as they often have attractive deals on flights to Las Vegas.
While Southwest is the most prominent option for direct flights, it’s always a good idea to explore other possibilities. Sometimes, other airlines might offer connecting flights from MDW to LAS, potentially at a lower price point. However, connecting flights will inevitably add to your total travel time, so you’ll need to weigh the cost savings against the added inconvenience.
Finding the Best Flight Deals
Securing the best possible price for your flights from Midway to Las Vegas requires a bit of strategy and planning. Here’s how to increase your chances of snagging a great deal:
Best Time to Book
The golden rule of booking flights is that the earlier you book, the better. Airlines often release tickets months in advance, and prices tend to increase as the departure date approaches, especially as seats fill up. Aim to book your flights several months ahead of your trip to secure the most favorable fares.
However, the optimal booking window can also depend on the time of year. For example, flights to Las Vegas are likely to be more expensive during peak seasons, such as summer, major holidays, and when large conventions or events are taking place in the city. Traveling during the shoulder seasons – the periods between the peak and off-peak seasons – can often result in significant savings. Consider traveling in the spring or fall, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller.
Mid-week travel, specifically flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can also be a great way to save money. These days typically have lower demand than weekends, which translates to lower prices.
Using Flight Comparison Websites
Flight comparison websites are your best friend when searching for affordable flights. These websites aggregate flight information from multiple airlines, allowing you to compare prices, flight times, and layovers in one convenient place. Some popular and reliable options include Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner.
To use these websites effectively, start by entering your departure and arrival airports (MDW and LAS), your desired travel dates, and the number of passengers. Once you’ve entered your search criteria, the website will display a list of available flights from various airlines.
Pay close attention to the filters and sorting options offered by the website. You can typically filter results by price, flight duration, number of stops, and airline. Sorting by price will help you quickly identify the cheapest flights available.
A particularly useful feature offered by many flight comparison websites is the ability to set up price alerts. By setting a price alert, you’ll receive an email notification whenever the price of a flight changes. This allows you to track the price of flights over time and book when you see a price that you’re comfortable with.
Being Flexible with Travel Dates
Flexibility is key when it comes to saving money on flights. If your travel dates are flexible, you can significantly increase your chances of finding a good deal. Even shifting your departure or return date by a day or two can sometimes make a substantial difference in price.
Flight comparison websites often have features that allow you to view a calendar of prices for different dates. This allows you to quickly identify the cheapest days to fly. Experiment with different combinations of departure and return dates to see how the price changes.
Consider traveling during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late-night flights. These flights are often less popular and therefore cheaper than flights during the middle of the day.
Considering Nearby Airports
While our focus is on flights from Midway, it’s worth briefly considering whether flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) might offer alternative prices or flight times. While generally further from downtown Chicago than Midway, checking ORD can occasionally yield a better deal, especially if you’re open to airlines beyond Southwest. However, for the purposes of this guide, we’ll primarily focus on the more convenient and often cheaper MDW option.
Check for Package Deals
Don’t forget to explore the possibility of booking a flight and hotel package. Many travel websites offer package deals that combine flights and accommodation at a discounted price. These packages can often be a better value than booking flights and hotels separately.
What to Expect on Your Flight
Flight Duration
The flight duration for a direct flight from Chicago Midway to Las Vegas is typically around four hours. However, keep in mind that this is an approximate time and can vary slightly depending on factors such as wind speed and air traffic. If you’re flying on a connecting flight, your total travel time will be longer, depending on the length of your layover and the number of stops.
In-Flight Amenities
The in-flight amenities you can expect on your flight will depend on the airline you choose. Southwest typically offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on its flights. They also offer Wi-Fi for a fee, allowing you to stay connected during your flight. Many Southwest planes feature entertainment options that can be streamed to your personal devices.
Other airlines may offer different amenities, such as in-flight entertainment systems with movies and TV shows. Some airlines may also offer meals for purchase on longer flights.
Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance policies vary depending on the airline. Southwest is known for its generous baggage policy, which allows passengers to check two bags for free. This can be a significant advantage if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
However, other airlines may charge fees for checked bags. Be sure to check the airline’s baggage policy before your flight to avoid any unexpected fees at the airport. It is also important to check the size and weight restrictions for both carry-on and checked baggage.
Arriving at McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Transportation from the Airport
Once you arrive at McCarran International Airport (LAS), you’ll have several transportation options for getting to your hotel or other destination. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, but they can be relatively expensive, especially during peak hours.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular options. They are typically cheaper than taxis, and you can request a ride directly through your smartphone app. However, surge pricing may apply during periods of high demand.
Shuttle services are another option, particularly for travelers on a budget. These shuttles typically transport passengers to multiple hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, which can make them a more affordable alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services.
If you plan to explore areas outside of the Las Vegas Strip, renting a car might be a good option. Several car rental companies have desks at the airport, making it easy to pick up and drop off your rental vehicle.
Public transportation is also available, with bus routes connecting the airport to various parts of the city. However, this may not be the most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or are unfamiliar with the city’s public transportation system.
Airport Amenities
McCarran International Airport (LAS) offers a wide range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable. The airport has numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after your flight. There are also plenty of shops selling everything from souvenirs to travel essentials. For passengers looking for a bit of relaxation before their flight, several airport lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and other amenities.
Tips for Your Las Vegas Trip
Accommodation
Las Vegas offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. The Las Vegas Strip is home to many iconic hotels and casinos, offering luxurious rooms, world-class restaurants, and exciting entertainment. Downtown Las Vegas, also known as Fremont Street, offers a more affordable and historic alternative to the Strip. Off-Strip hotels can provide even greater value, although you may need to rely on transportation to reach the main attractions.
Things to Do
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, offering a seemingly endless array of things to do. Of course, gambling is a major draw, with casinos located in almost every hotel. But Las Vegas has much more to offer than just casinos. World-class shows featuring music, magic, acrobatics, and more are a nightly occurrence. Renowned chefs have opened restaurants on the Strip, offering everything from casual fare to fine dining. You can also explore the many attractions along the Strip, such as the Bellagio fountains, the High Roller observation wheel, and the Eiffel Tower replica. For a break from the city, consider a day trip to the Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam.
Budgeting
Las Vegas can be an expensive city, but it’s possible to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Set a budget before you go and stick to it as much as possible. Take advantage of free activities, such as walking the Strip and watching the Bellagio fountains. Look for happy hour specials and early bird deals at restaurants. Consider purchasing a Las Vegas pass, which offers discounts on many attractions.
Staying Safe
Las Vegas is generally a safe city, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Be aware of pickpockets and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. If you’re gambling, set a limit and stick to it.
Conclusion
Traveling from Chicago Midway to Las Vegas is easier than you might think. With direct flights readily available, a bit of planning, and the tips outlined in this article, you can find affordable flights and prepare for an unforgettable Las Vegas adventure. From dazzling shows to world-class dining and thrilling casinos, Las Vegas has something for everyone. So, start planning your Las Vegas getaway today, and get ready to experience the excitement and glamour of the Entertainment Capital of the World. Your dream trip to Las Vegas, starting from those flights MDW to Las Vegas, is closer than you think! Enjoy the journey!
