The countdown to our Las Vegas getaway in February 2025 to witness the Rugby League spectacle has begun. We'd secured what we believed was a fantastic deal – a direct British Airways package for our family of four (two adults, two kids), whisking us from Heathrow to the neon lights of Las Vegas for 8 nights at the Rio Hotel, all for a tidy £2,700. Compared to other holiday providers, i was patting myself on the back for bagging such a great deal.
The California Calling: Adding Los Angeles to the Mix
As the planning wheels started turning, the allure of a Californian road trip took root in our minds. With a hire car already on the cards, the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles and the thrilling rides of Universal Studios became irresistible additions to our itinerary. Our initial thought was a quick one-night dash to LA, leaving some luggage behind in our Vegas hotel to keep things simple.
The Brainwave: Flying into LA First
But then, a more adventurous idea sparked. What if we flipped our travel plans and started our holiday in the vibrant city of Los Angeles? We could spend a few days soaking up the Californian vibes before embarking on a scenic drive through the desert to Las Vegas. This seemed like a fantastic way to experience more of what the West Coast had to offer.
Timing it Right: The August British Airways Summer Sale
Fast forward to August and the arrival of the British Airways summer sale. Armed with a hopeful spirit and a touch of curiosity, I decided to call their customer service to explore the feasibility of our revised travel plans. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure if changing our existing booking was even possible, and I certainly anticipated an increase in cost. My primary aim was simply to understand if flying into LA first was an option.
The Unexpected Windfall: A £700 Price Drop!
The helpful advisor patiently listened to my idea. We discussed various travel dates, and then came the bombshell. "Flying to Los Angeles three days earlier would actually reduce the overall cost of your holiday by £700," she stated, the surprise evident in her voice as much as mine. My jaw practically hit the floor. A price reduction? For adding extra travel days and a different arrival airport? It seemed too good to be true. Even with the inevitable amendment fee, the potential savings were significant.
A Cheeky Extra: Extending Our Trip for Free!
But my mind, now in full bargain-hunting mode, started to wander. Our original return flight was scheduled for a Friday evening – which also happened to be our wedding anniversary – landing us back home on Saturday. Wouldn't it be wonderful to squeeze in an extra day in the States without needing any extra time off work? So, I enquired about pushing our return flight back by a day. To our delight, the return flights on the Saturday were the same price! No extra cost, no further savings, but an entire extra day to enjoy our American adventure – a free extension to our already exciting trip!
The Final Tally: A 12-Night Dream Holiday for Under £2,200
The amendment fee for making these changes came to £150. However, after deducting this, we were still looking at an astonishing saving of £550! Our original package included 8 nights of accommodation in Las Vegas, the extra nights in Los Angeles and the additional night at the end didn't include accommodation but we were happy to book these independently.
The final tally? We managed to transform our 8-night Las Vegas trip into an incredible 12-night holiday, flying into Los Angeles and returning from Las Vegas, with 8 nights of accommodation included, for under £2,200 for our family of four! We were absolutely gobsmacked. What an unbelievable upgrade to our planned getaway!
Our Savvy Steps to Holiday Savings
Our experience proves that even after booking, there are opportunities to save money and even enhance your travel plans. Here are some key takeaways:
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Even if you're happy with your initial booking, it never hurts to explore alternative options. A simple phone call can sometimes yield surprising results.
- Be Flexible with Dates and Airports: If your travel plans have some wiggle room, being open to slightly different dates or nearby airports can unlock significant savings.
- Keep an Eye on Sales and Promotions: Airlines and travel operators frequently run sales. Monitoring these and being ready to inquire about your existing booking during these periods could be beneficial.
- Consider the Bigger Picture: Think about how changes to your flights might impact other aspects of your trip, such as car hire costs or accommodation. In our case, hiring a car in LA and driving to Vegas was always part of the plan, so the change aligned perfectly.
- Factor in All Costs: Remember to account for any amendment fees or additional costs associated with changes, but weigh them against the potential savings.
- Be Prepared to DIY: Sometimes, unbundling parts of your holiday (like extra accommodation) and booking them independently can lead to overall savings and greater flexibility.
Our Epic 12-Night LA & Vegas Itinerary (Get Inspired!)
Want to see how we're making the most of our extended adventure? Check out our itinerary here
Proactive Planning Pays Off Big Time
This experience has taught us that a little bit of proactive planning and a willingness to inquire can sometimes lead to incredible surprises and substantial savings. So, the next time you have a holiday booked, don't assume the price is set in stone – it might just be worth a call to see if a little flexibility can unlock a hidden bargain! Now, if you'll excuse us, we have an LA road trip to plan!
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