Why are flights to Las Vegas cheaper?

Question

Trying to book a flight to either Salt Lake City or Vegas to catch a Bob Dylan Show. I noticed that the Vegas flight was 200.00 with 1 short layover in SLC. If I were to book just the SLC leg fo the trip (Exact same flight to SLC without the next leg to vegas) it was 350. Why are they charging less if my destination is Vegas. Could I just book the Vegas trip and get off in SLC and not return. Would I miss my return flight since i wouldnt be boarding in vegas?

Answer 1

The Vegas flight is cheaper because it is a more popular destination.

Yes, you could book a flight to Vegas and get off in SLC. You might be able to board the return flight, assuming you get all your tickets upfront.

But, I wouldn't count on it.

Answer 2

Because of Alan Thicke giving away tickets to see Vegas! ^_^

Answer 3

tourist spot man

Answer 4

Because Delta (SLC) is competing with USair (LAS)

Answer 5

If I'm understanding you correctly, the flight to SLC is a non-stop?  They are charging a premium for that, because people like nonstops better than connections.

The technical term for what you're proposing is "point-beyond ticketing".  If you booked Home-SLC-LAS-SLC-Home but got off in SLC instead of continuing on to Vegas, then your subsequent flights would be cancelled automatically...unless you're on Southwest, I think their fine print says something to the effect of this being allowed.

Update:  One last thing, since they guy below me made a list of what could go wrong.  I'd like to add:

4) If you buy a ticket to Las Vegas, they're not necessarily obligated to route you through SLC.  If there is a storm over SLC, or a mechanical problem with the Home-SLC flight, they could send you through a different hub if they wanted to (for instance, if Delta: Home-Cincinnati-Las Vegas).

Answer 6

This scenario is not unusual. I've seen many cases where it is cheaper to fly past an airline hub than to it.

Airfares are set by supply and demand, not just distance. There are more airlines serving Las Vegas with more flights, so there is more competition than to Salt Lake City. That's why many airlines have announced that they're reducing flights to Las Vegas - the fares are too low to make any money.

Also, Delta has a hub at Salt Lake City and controls over 50% of the traffic. That gives them the ability to keep fares higher. The dominant carrier at Las Vegas is Southwest - a discount carrier - and they control only 38% of the traffic. Since there is more competition, fares are lower.

Jumping off at Salt Lake City won't work. There are three problems.

1. If you have a checked bag, it will be sent to Las Vegas. The airline will not check a bag to Salt Lake City if your ticket is to Las Vegas.

2. Even if you don't check a bag, you won't have a reservation to come home. When you fail to board the flight to Las Vegas, the airline will cancel all of your remaining flights. That is standard practice at all airlines.

3. If you get caught doing this, the airline will present you with a bill at the airport. The airline is not obligated to transport you round trip to Salt Lake City if you bought a ticket to Las Vegas.

Sorry, but that's how the business works.