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One step closer to booking : long post

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by IWannaBeInVegas, Sep 5, 2013.

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  1. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I posted recently that I wanted to make a trip to Vegas in March or April but had to decide how to do it being a single parent and really having no help with my child. My choices were to wait until spring break and try to see if his mom who is in Texas or grandparents who are 3 hours away wanted a week long visit with him or wait until summer when he goes to his mom's. My choice is to try to do Spring break with his mom, and tell her I would cover all airfare for the visit which we usually share (i will leave out the fact that I am going on vacation).

    About an hour ago I put in the request for the time of week of March 24th. I'd more than likely leave on Tuesday with a Friday return, only because I don't want to pay weekend rates and it is easier to get off work (I deal at a local casino).

    Southwest fares are not great but they are the only option for nonstop flights out of columbus. I was looking at Expedia and found package deals from 400 including room/air BUT of course the flights are not the best, interesting one of the cheaper flights has never going to Chicago then San Francisco before Vegas (I'd pass on it). Also I'm picky about what kind of planes I will fly on, nothing smaller than a airbus 319 or 737, maybe it's a mental thing but I feel safer.

    I'm hoping to book in the next 2 to 4 weeks (finishing catching up on bills) and am curious what others think about flights? I'm usually committed to Southwest but right now they are about 200 round trip more than what I'm finding on Expedia, I know if it drops I can rebook but unless they let me use the credit to buy my kids plane tickets for the summer visit it would go to waste.

    I used to consider myself an expert at this stuff but it seems so much had changed.

    Another question, does anyone think calling and talking to a host would help with a room? Up until last year I could get up to 2 weeks free at any cet (minus Caesars) but due to not having a trip in 2 years I can't seem to get good rates online. As said, it seems Expedia has some good rates for that time frame but I hate the fees they charge if changes or cancelation is required. Thoughts?

    Although I am of the camp I will get what I can as cheap as I can, I'm cheap but have a great time doing it. I want to stay part of the trip on the strip and part downtown but Expedia seems to not make it possible.

    I'm sure I will have more to post later
     
  2. KellyLovesVegas

    KellyLovesVegas Earthling/retired space nerd

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    March 27-30 are the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament regional games. That week isn't as crazy busy as the first week of the tourney, but if you want a reasonably well-priced room you shouldn't wait to make your reservations.
    Enjoy your trip!
     
  3. tatterdema

    tatterdema VIP Whale

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    Southwest rates are high right now. I expect a sale in the next week or so, although probably not for that far out. Expedia does let you book only a portion of your trip in the hotel, that way you can split up your stay. Put a check mark in the box that says "I only need hotel for part of my stay". Then book the other part separately.

    Having said that, I personally think you are booking way too far in advance for good prices on flights.
     
  4. jackincols

    jackincols Guest

    I can only tell you this (MO). I spent most of my adult life in Columbus until 3 yrs. ago. When I first started going to Vegas in 1977 it was who could get me there the cheapest.

    Then my current Vegas buddy started going with me and we usually flew AW when they had their HUB there because they were famous for overbooking and we could take a voluntary bump on the flight back and a free travel voucher to boot.

    Then, when AW closed their HUB at Port Columbus, we started flying SW, mainly because of their great no charge policy for changing flights (unless the new flight is more than your previous flight, you pay the difference), and as you said, they're the only carrier still offering nonstop service to Vegas.

    Bottom line though, you may have to look closely at package deals until you can re-establish your gambling track record. You also may want to call out to CET. Friends of mine up in Columbus hadn't been out there in over a year, yet they were able to get 3 nights comped at Harrahs last Oct.

    Having lost your track record out there because of a 2 yr. absence is a bummer. I'd definitely try a host.
     
  5. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I expect that it's to early to get good deals for the most part, just feeling things out. I may call cet once I know for sure I'm going. Due to employment I could stay at the M Resort practically free but I don't want to stay that far from the action
     
  6. g8rb8k8

    g8rb8k8 Low-Roller

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    If you enjoy doing things on the cheap, I would suggest you start playing MyVegas on facebook. I don't think the room calendars reach past the first week of march but it may be beneficial even if you don't play to get a few nights lodging for free you could maybe snag a show ticket and a meal or two for some playing of a free game online.
     
  7. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Just started playing today, I'm looking at booking my room in the next week or so, through mlife I can get a jacuzzi suit at luxor for around 80 a night, or a corner room at aria for 99 a night, of course I can cancel /rebook if things change or I get enough on my Vegas for a comp.
     
  8. BlueSkadoo

    BlueSkadoo VMB Sweetheart

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    Have you looked into flying out of Dayton? Lately, CMH has been higher than Dayton for flights to Vegas. Two years ago, it was always the opposite. In the past 6 months or so, even CINCINNATI was cheaper than Columbus!!! :faint:

    ps- CMH has better flight times, but Dayton has better prices. Usually just one stop too. Nonstops from CVG on Delta (1x day).
     
  9. dfalk

    dfalk VIP Whale

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    Crazy, you're going the exact same time as me, 3/23-3/28. I'd say you are booking waaaaay to early yet. I looked at my flights (Allegiant) and right now they are $318 which is horrible considering I've never paid more than $200. I probably won't even start looking again till Dec.

    I went the exact same time earlier this year and I booked in mid Jan when I thought the prices were great.
     
  10. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I actually forgot about Dayton, iv looked at every airport from cmh, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland. I will have to check Dayton.

    Shockley, had to fly my twins to Dallas and I saved 400 flying out of Indianapolis
     
  11. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    Not sure I will book air just yet but at least with rooms I can cancel with full refund
     
  12. sporty8705

    sporty8705 VIP Whale

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    I am going the same time as you. It is torture for me, as I never book this far out, usually book in January or February and then have a month or two to plan... it is what happens when you are a single mom, however, my son is going with me
     
  13. buckeyetodd

    buckeyetodd High-Roller

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    do u have your online account set up through total rewards so you can just check for offers? my brother says he never gets offers like i do even though he gambles much more than i do. i asked him the same question and set up his online account. when i checked offers, he could stay anywhere but caesers. if an offer says casino rate, just call where you want to stay and ask them what the rate is. his last trip it said the same thing and he got three free nights at Planet Hollywood. have fun.
     
  14. IWannaBeInVegas

    IWannaBeInVegas VIP Whale

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    I am set up through total rewards. Iv not been to any of their properties in over 2 years and am getting the same rate Expedia is advertising. I noticed with mlife, I get a little discount from the hotel rate without being logged in. I'm up to 6500 LP on my Vegas and have only played 3 days, here is hoping to win enough for a comp. Plan on booking at the very least luxor next week, the spa suite is 80 bucks, I can change or cancel if I get better. If the budget increases I will book Aria.
     
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