UPDATE: 13 Action News is looking into just how "low-cost" budget airlines are and how you can find your family the best deal when flying.
“It’s my daughter in law’s birthday so we're gonna celebrate it while we're down here,” says Pam, who is ready to call Vegas home for the next few days.
She also says when it comes to family trips, she climbs aboard Spirit to keep their wallets full.
“Spirit is reasonable for a family as we’re a big group,” Pam said.
There’s no secret, low-cost airlines are taking off.
Tuesday, Vegas-based airline Allegiant has announced new nonstop flights to a popular destination for folks in the Las Vegas valley to Los Angeles with fares starting at $39.
However, it’s a deal that sounds too good to be true for a few frequent flyers.
“You don’t get anything free,” says Rose, who says she doesn’t fly budget airlines even when the ticket price is low.
“You may get a cheap ticket initially but by the time you tack on all their little fees, you might as well pay for an airline where you’re conformable,” Rose said.
So, who is really cheaper? The low-cost airlines, or the traditional ones?
13 Action News compared an Allegiant flight and a Southwest flight to Albuquerque one-way on the same day.
The Southwest flight rings up a total price of $88, which includes your seat and two free checked bags and one carry-on.
The Allegiant ticket price is advertised for $32.56 but during the booking process, you’re presented with a seat selection.
We chose a window seat in the middle of the plane which cost $14.
Now to compare to the Southwest deal, we added on a carry-on bag, which costs $18, and two checked bags for $25 each.
That rang up a total price of $118.
The Southwest flight, which had a higher base price, ended up being cheaper than the Allegiant low-cost price.
13 Action News spoke with a contact at Travel Destinations in west Las Vegas and they said travelers with families must do their research.
- Don’t just look for the cheapest price, look for the ones that already include any fees, bags and seat assignments.
- Also, check for amenities like TV, food and drink service, and WiFi which is included on some of the bigger name airlines but not available on a low-cost airline.
ORIGINAL STORY: Starting June 5, travelers can fly between Las Vegas and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for as low as $39 each way.
Allegiant announced a new service between the destinations this morning.
The Las Vegas-based airline company says the new seasonal flights will operate twice-weekly. To get the low fare, travelers must purchase tickets between Feb. 13 and Aug. 13.
Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. More details can be found at allegiantair.com.
RELATED: Allegiant Airlines donate aircraft parts to Rancho High School
