Sometimes the cheapest way to fly is not always the most obvious. Take for example Condor Airlines. This German-based budget airline has a direct flight from Frankfurt to Las Vegas that can save you a bundle–providing you can get a cheap flight to Vegas, baby!
This is how it works. Last night I priced out a fictional trip leaving June 24 and returning July 1st on the Vegas/Frankfurt flight. The price was $613. The only problem is that I don’t live in Vegas. But, I do live in Los Angeles, a cheap gateway to Vegas. A quick jump over to Southwest determined I could buy a roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Vegas for $196. That brings my total to $809.
The cheapest Los Angeles to Frankfurt ticket on Kayak, on the other hand, starts at $1349.
The Vegas detour saves $540!
The trip becomes even cheaper if you plan far enough in advance and buy your Southwest ticket for $100. And then, of course, there is the possibility of winning big at the slots in the airport while waiting for your Frankfurt flight–although I wouldn’t fold that possibility into your expenses.
Las Vegas not close enough for you? Condor also flies to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Orlando, as well as a couple of places in Canada. And, Frankfurt isn’t their only European destination.
Mixing and matching airlines in such a manner can certainly save you some dough, but keep in mind that if Southwest gets you to Vegas late and you miss your Frankfurt flight, the airline has no obligation to help you out since they are not partners with Condor. But, for $540, I’m willing to take that chance.