So, you’re thinking about ditching the humidity of South Florida for the dry heat of the Mojave? Honestly, the trek from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) to Harry Reid International (LAS) is one of the most popular transcontinental hops in the country. It’s a route defined by high stakes, both in the casinos and in how you book your seat.
But here is the thing. Most people just hop on a travel aggregator, click the first $99 fare they see, and think they’ve won. They haven't. Navigating flights to vegas from fll is actually kinda tricky if you don't know the specific quirks of the airlines that dominate this five-and-a-half-hour corridor.
The Nonstop Reality Check
You’ve got about 2,170 miles of dirt and clouds between you and the Strip. If you book a flight with a layover in Charlotte or Dallas, you’re looking at an 8-to-10-hour day. Don't do that to yourself.
Four main players own the nonstop game from FLL to LAS: Spirit, JetBlue, Southwest, and occasionally Delta (especially during massive events like CES).
Spirit is usually the cheapest at face value. You can find round-trip tickets for $89 if you’re lucky. But Spirit is basically a choose-your-own-adventure novel where every "wrong" choice costs $50. If you show up with a carry-on you didn't pay for in advance, they’ll hit you with a $99 fee at the gate. Suddenly, that "cheap" flight is more expensive than a premium seat on JetBlue.
Speaking of JetBlue, they’re the comfort king on this route. They usually run their A321s from FLL, which means you get actual legroom and free high-speed Wi-Fi. If you're planning to work during those five hours, the "Fly-Fi" is a lifesaver.
The Southwest Shake-up of 2026
Southwest is currently going through a massive identity crisis, and it affects your Vegas trip. For decades, it was the "open seating" wild west. As of early 2026, they’ve transitioned to assigned seating on many routes.
On the FLL to LAS run, Southwest still offers the holy grail: two free checked bags. If you’re heading to Vegas for a wedding or a convention and need three changes of clothes a day, Southwest is almost always the better financial move. Just keep in mind that their "Wanna Get Away" fares are now more restrictive than they used to be.
Timing Your Escape
When should you actually go? Most people think weekends are the only way to do Vegas.
Wrong.
If you fly out on a Tuesday and return on a Thursday, you can save 40% on the airfare alone. February is historically the cheapest month to fly from FLL to LAS. The weather in Vegas is brisk—think 60 degrees—but the savings are massive.
Avoid March like the plague. Between Spring Break and March Madness, FLL becomes a madhouse and LAS prices skyrocket. I’ve seen $150 tickets jump to $600 in the span of a week just because of the basketball tournament.
Navigating FLL (The Fort Lauderdale Side)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is a great airport, but it’s currently a construction zone. If you’re flying Spirit, you’ll be in Terminal 4. JetBlue is in Terminal 3. Southwest is in Terminal 1.
💡 You might also like: Airports Near Napa Valley California: Why Most People Choose the Wrong One
Do not try to walk between them if you’re in a rush.
The security lines at FLL can be unpredictable. Since this is a domestic flight, the "two-hour rule" is usually enough, but if you’re flying out on a Saturday morning when the cruise ships are unloading? Add another hour. Seriously. The "cruise crowd" can turn a 10-minute TSA wait into a 50-minute ordeal.
Landing in the Neon
Once you touch down at Harry Reid International, the temptation is to grab the first taxi you see.
Don't.
✨ Don't miss: Why Gompers Lagoon and Wetland is South Australia's Best Kept Secret
Vegas taxis use a flat-rate system now for the Strip, which is better than the old "long-hauling" scams, but rideshares are still usually cheaper. Follow the signs to the "Passenger Pick-up" parking garage. It’s a bit of a hike from the terminal, but you’ll save enough for your first round of drinks.
If you’re staying Downtown or at the South end of the Strip, look into the Centennial Express (CX) bus. It’s about $4 and remarkably clean. It’s the best-kept secret for solo travelers who don’t want to drop $30 on a 15-minute Uber.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Set a Google Flight Alert: Prices for flights to vegas from fll fluctuate wildly. Set an alert for "Nonstop Only" to weed out the exhausting layover options.
- Check the Baggage Math: Before you book Spirit, add the cost of a checked bag ($50+) to the fare. If it’s within $20 of Southwest or JetBlue, switch. The extra legroom and "free" bag make the difference.
- The Sunday Rule: Data from the last year shows that booking your ticket on a Sunday can save you about 10% compared to Friday bookings.
- Terminal Check: Double-check your terminal at FLL before you park. Parking at Terminal 1 and realizing your JetBlue flight is in Terminal 3 is a frustrating way to start a vacation.
- Hydrate at FLL: Buy your water before you board. A five-hour flight from Florida to the desert is a recipe for a massive headache if you rely on the tiny 4-ounce cups the airlines give you.
Getting to Vegas doesn't have to be a gamble. If you prioritize the nonstop routes and actually do the math on baggage fees, you’ll have more money for the tables—or at least for a decent dinner at Hell’s Kitchen.