1. Welcome to VegasMessageBoard
    It appears you are visiting our community as a guest.
    In order to view full-size images, participate in discussions, vote in polls, etc, you will need to Log in or Register.

Super early or super late flight?

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by Snowbelle3, Jun 14, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2011
    Messages:
    2,711
    Location:
    East
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    11
    For the past couple of trips, I have been leaving on flights that get into las vegas at 10pm, and I am not too fond of it. But waking up at 4am is just not so nice, even though I like arriving in Las Vegas around 10am BESt!

    What do you pick between these two?
     
  2. raraavis

    raraavis VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2010
    Messages:
    1,118
    Location:
    NJ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    we always choose the earlier flights, even though that usually means spending more because the buses don't run early enough to get to the airport for 7am or earlier flights, so we have to take a car service ($60 extra at least!)! but it's worth it to get into vegas earlier :thumbsup:
     
  3. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2009
    Messages:
    16,023
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    175
    Usually mornings unless there is a big price difference.
    SWA has a 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM from our airport, both are non-stop and I guess my preference is the 9:30 which arrives in Vegas at 11:30 AM. That requires us to get up around 5 AM to get the dog to the kennel and then drive to the airport.

    I also don't like to be late or rushed, so we always are at the airport 2 hrs ahead of time. Also leaves time for a [STRIKE]cheap[/STRIKE] airport beer. :beer:
     
  4. nostresshere

    nostresshere Mr. Anti Debit Card

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    Messages:
    23,218
    Location:
    TN
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    40
    I like early so we can still make it a day. Hate getting up so early, but what the hell - we're going to Vegas! Arriving before the "official checkin time", we are about 80% getting rooms. And even when we do not - we check bags and hit the bar.
     
  5. Jimbo338

    Jimbo338 VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2000
    Messages:
    5,543
    Location:
    Laconia, NH
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    23
    I fly from the east coast and I love an early flight out and arriving in LV between 10:00am and Noon. That means being at the airport 4-5 am, leaving the house an hour before that, and usually a short night of sleep, if not just a nap. However, that gives me a full day to get to the hotel, unpack, grab a meal and sometimes taking a quick nap. I go exploring, getting munchies and drinks etc.. By the end of the day it is a struggle to stay awake but when I crash, I get a good night's sleep and get accustomed to Pacific time.On the way back I like to take an afternoon flight back which alows me to sleep late in the am, get a leisurely breakfast and get to the airport without having to rush. The rest of the day is all on the plane since flying east I lose 3 hours. I guess it's what works for you and since I'm an early riser, I cannot see arriving late in LV only to enjoy a few hours and then go to bed. Of course, if you are a night person, the opposite would be true so I guess it's what works for you personally.

    Jimbo338
     
  6. Bruinfan1

    Bruinfan1 Tourist

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2012
    Messages:
    144
    Location:
    Alberta, Canada
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    1. Consider jet lag if you're flying in from the east. A 1 AM PT (4 AM ET) start is likely unwise. A 1 AM ET arrival (10 PM PT) is unpleasant, but sets you up for the rest of the week. Vice versa leaving Vegas of course.

    2. If you're getting ready for 8 PM dinners, 10 PM shows, and late night sightseeing, why would you want to start your first day @ 4 AM? It may be comfortable and fit your "work" schedule, but it doesn't seem to line up with your vacation schedule. More so in summer (when the day is very hot); perhaps less so in winter (when you can better justify turning in early).

    I understand the challenge of working all day, getting on a plane and getting into an airport late, tired, trying to figure out where you're going and having zero patience for any inconvenience. Feeling a bit silly paying for a hotel room and spending exactly zero minutes enjoying the city you're in that day. But there are some good reasons to arrive in Vegas late.

    Right answer: try both and see what you're dislike least. Personal preference outweighs all of the good advice above.
     
  7. raraavis

    raraavis VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2010
    Messages:
    1,118
    Location:
    NJ
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    i never plan anything for my first day that requires me to be somewhere at a specific time. you just never know when you'll be delayed along the way. besides, i don't think she was asking for advice; i'm pretty sure she just curious about everyone else's personal preference....:peace:
     
  8. crussader

    crussader Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2011
    Messages:
    395
    Location:
    Houston
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    On my first trip to Vegas I made the mistake (for me) of booking an early flight to maximize my time in town. I am not a morning person so I was concerned about not getting up in time to make my flight. That left me up tossing and turning the whole night before hand. Cosequently, I arrived in town early in the morning and facing a long day on no sleep.
     
  9. crussader

    crussader Low-Roller

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2011
    Messages:
    395
    Location:
    Houston
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    9
    On my trips I typically take Friday and Monday off from work. This means I can either leave late Thursday night or Friday morning. The former gets me to town late and possibly tired, but I'm ready to hit the town on Friday earlier than I would if I waited until Friday to travel. It's a no brainer for me, especially if Thursday night is comped.
     
  10. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2007
    Messages:
    8,401
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    18
    I'm trying to avoid picking either when I can.

    If I can't, I'd usually rather do 10pm, but that is based on usually having a comp room, so an extra night isn't so tough.

    In the old days I would arrive in vegas (from detroit) at 8am and fly back out on a redeye (arriving 6am EST next morning) to maximize vegas time relative to hotel nights and get cheap flights. Fun, but some pretty rough travel days
     
  11. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2009
    Messages:
    16,023
    Location:
    Wisconsin
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    175
    Back when we were still working 3-11 PM, we would take the redeye back home. We got back to the house around 7 AM, slept for a few hours and then went to work. Felt like crap all day, but what the hell, we were getting paid, rather than feeling like crap at home.:thumbsup:
     
  12. VegasKing

    VegasKing High-Roller

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    504
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    Early flight because the majority of the time they will let you go ahead and checkin. If not, you can always check your baggage then go to the casino til your room is ready.
     
  13. numeno

    numeno VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2011
    Messages:
    1,729
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    10
    I always prefer late flights because that means I don't need to take vacation that day.
     
  14. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    Flying w/b I always opt for an early flight; gives you pretty much the whole day in your destination.
     
  15. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2010
    Messages:
    10,096
    Location:
    At the tables
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    30
    I always pick a flight that arrives in the afternoon. Don't have to wake up early, but arrive in time for a nice dinner.
     
  16. Turtleman

    Turtleman VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2005
    Messages:
    4,097
    Location:
    Bradenton, FL
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    Personal preference obviously rules this thread; and unless lopsided prices or other logistics get in the way, I go for the first flight of the day. That gets me into Vegas around 10 AM – almost a full day. I'm a morning person anyway, and leaving for the airport before 6 avoids most of Atlanta's notorious rush-hour traffic and gives me an hour in Delta's Sky Club before boarding.

    Coming back, I usually try for an early afternoon flight. If I've lost, I'm more than ready to go; and if I've had a winning trip, I don't want to risk giving much back in the final hours. Besides, after a week or more, I'm usually anxious to get back to whatever passes for "normal." With a 3-hour time change, the last day is pretty much wasted.

    That said, I've taken late evening flights to Vegas and redeye returns many times, they're just not my preference. I particularly hate being "homeless" until departure; though if I still have a room and can get a little rest before leaving, I'm fine. Otherwise I find redeyes pure hell!
     
  17. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2007
    Messages:
    8,401
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    18
    Not just preference but travel details.

    I have a 2 hr drive to the nearest airport with a direct flight, am meant to arrive 2hrs before takeoff, and there's a 3 hour time difference on a 4 hour flight. That means that for me, the early flights mean I'm getting up at 2am. Which for me usually just means I'm staying up.

    Likewise, the rooms I stay in are cheap so unless I'm hard up for vacation days, I can just add another day to the trip if I'm going to arrive late.
     
  18. Judge Smails

    Judge Smails Tourist

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2012
    Messages:
    66
    Location:
    Delaware
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    21
    When I lived in the states I would prefer a mid to late morning flight out if I was taking vacation time. I want as many full days as possible. When I lived in southern New Mexico I could get a SWA nonstop out of El Paso at 1000 and get in at 1040. By the time I got my bags and took a taxi to the hotel I never had issues checking into my room. Return flight left at 1120 and land at 1400 so those were great times for me.

    When I lived in Iowa I had a group of friends I went with over Memorial Day weekend. SWA was not an option and Allegiant had limited days it flew. I usually was on United connecting in Denver. I would try for late morning/early afternoon arival. Departing I would shoot for a 0700 departure and just stay up all night before my flight. I would sleep on the plane and when I got home.

    My trip in 3 weeks has me concerned a little. I leave Frankfurt at 1215 local time and land at 1505. 11 hours and 50 minutes of flight time and -9 hours of time change. My goal is to get some sleep on the flight and just try and power through to midnight the first night and sleep heavy.

    This is my first flight over 8 hours. For the people who fly these long hauls any tips?
     
  19. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2003
    Messages:
    29,784
    Location:
    A nice place
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    110
    Don't drink alcohol. Hydrate. Get some shuteye on the plane. Move around between catnaps.
     
  20. VegasGroove

    VegasGroove VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2009
    Messages:
    3,311
    Location:
    3h 45m Away
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    60
    I always take the first flight out of MDW, which is 6:00a (or 6:40a depending on the time of year). I figure like this:

    1. In case there are delays due to crews, weather, etc. I have a better chance of getting out early than having a late flight and it getting canceled to the next day.

    2. The airport (and flight) tend to be less crowded early morning.

    3. I can sleep on the plane and be raring to go once I touch down.

    4. I like to maximize the time during my weeks in Vegas, so full days there are important.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.