Hello all,
Any suggestions how to get a decent airfare from Austin, Texas to Las Vegas for a party of 9 in July? Right now they are around $400. Yikes! Does anyone have any suggestions and do you think they will come down?

Also, would love any suggestions for things not to miss both bars and restaurants for a group of 21 year olds?

Thanks so much.

Jennifer

Wait until at least May to purchase. Watch for upcoming "summer sales" and 45 days before travel is when you should start checking the fares 3 times per day. July is "low season" for Vegas.

That said, it is sometimes hard to find 9 seats at a low fare. They open up 5 or 6 seats, sell them, open up 5 or 6 more the next day, etc.

With 10, I think, you can get a "group fare" on Southwest.

Southwest is currently offering some fares in July from Austin to Las Vegas for around $300 (including taxes), and to be honest I think that's about as good as you are likely to find. However, $400 isn't really unreasonable. Until fuel prices fall, the days of $250 airfares to LV are over. Seriously.

Thank you to those who have responded. Any other hints- is it worth checking with a travel agent or doing a package?

Any other ideas what not to miss with 21 year olds, restaurants, bars, what show- Love?

Jennifer

A package might help you if you go during the week (not incl. a Friday or Saturday night stay) and if you don't care when during the day you fly. But since you aren't coming from a major airport (such as Houston or DFW), I don't think the package is going to help you much. Check Southwest or American Airlines packages especially, but you are probably planning to pile into 2 or 3 rooms I'm guessing, and most packages don't allow that option.

Check out www.usairwaysvacations.com. I did a quick search for you and for a package with three people, air and hotel (Flamingo) it would be $415.63 a person plus about $45.00/person in taxes. That is for 4 nights Thurs July 17 - Monday July 21. They also had a couple of cheaper options such as Excalibur at $376 plus taxes/person. If I were in your shoes I would just book three/ three person packages or they have a phone number on their website for reservations that you can call and have them set it up for you.
Is it a group of girls? or Mixed girls and guys? I only ask because there is a book called the Las Vegas Little Red Book: a Girls Guide to the Perfect Vegas Getaway. I would definitely check out this book, it will really help you plan a great vacation. There is also a guys version called the Las Vegas Little Black Book. I have seen both at my local Barnes and Nobles. Although both books can be enjoyed by anyone wanting to have a good time, I feel they are really geared towards young people. They will also help you avoid a lot of problems that going on a vacation with a big group of people can cause. Anyways hope this helps and Have a Great Trip!

For 21 year olds the most popular places to hang out are The Palms and the Hard Rock. Plently of people in that age group hang out at both spots, including the pools and night clubs. Pure nightclub is also geared towards early 20's, that is in Cesar's Palace. Also, be prepared for extremely long lines. If you stay at the Palms or the HR you have better access for getting line passes and being female and dressing nice helps significantly. Sometimes the folks handing out the night club freebies find you if they like the way you look. They have "scouts" for most nightclubs.

Ps, If you can find RT for under $300 now I'd go for it. My ta says airfares are going to continue to climb with the price of gas and several airlines going under.

Midweek travel is cheaper hotel-wise unless a convention is going on. Cheap Las Vegas is a part of the past so just be prepared to spend a lot of $$ on drinks or upscale restaurants

Hope this helps.

To get the best fare don't fly home from Vegas on Sunday. Fly on Tue or Wed.

I also think that waiting to May is a good idea, but not later than that.