Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2016

gamboller

Seldom_Seen_Kid wrote: »

Recently started Social Rewards / Total Rewards. Can someone please confirm that you do not need to be staying in 1 of their properties to be able to cash in.

Can stay anywhere, just request to pay with reward credits.

https://www.totalrewards.com/content/cet-tr/en/earn-and-redeem/on-location.html

dontone

pebblesmax wrote: »

Has anyone used Thomas Cook direct from Manchester to Las Vegas recently? Its a long time since we flew with them and wondered what they were like these days.

We did in June, just like Hovis.
We weren't impressed with the customer service online at all tbh. We couldn't book a extra case, couldn't check in online, and we had to do the API at the airport. They are really unhelpful when you ring up as well, the standard response is 'keep trying online' I have to admit I gave them a few rollockings on Facebook, as did quite a few others.
The flight wasn't too bad, but they charge for headphones, and the bulk of the entertainment, you do get a couple of films/shows for free. They don't charge for the meals/small drink, but if you want a decent cuppa, then it's £2.40 a cup. I got a bit annoyed by it, as the flights aren't exactly cheap. I was surprised that they didn't charge to use the lavs.
If we go again, then I'd like to use another airline, thing is, is that Manchester is the closest airport for us, so it's a convenience thing for us.
HTH

Seldom_Seen_Kid

Cheers for the info gamboller.

Re TC - Interesting that everyone seems to have a similar opinion that they are constantly on the sell. Having flown with them numerous times I have simply come to expect it, and plan around it (take own headphones, load up the tablet with stuff to watch / read, take a couple of extra snacks). For me they offer value for money with the right expectations.

dontone

Seldom_Seen_Kid wrote: »

Cheers for the info gamboller.

Re TC - Interesting that everyone seems to have a similar opinion that they are constantly on the sell. Having flown with them numerous times I have simply come to expect it, and plan around it (take own headphones, load up the tablet with stuff to watch / read, take a couple of extra snacks). For me they offer value for money with the right expectations.

TBH, we hadn't been to Vegas for 5 years, so we weren't sure about any extra costs. It wasn't really made clear, but I really don't think they should be charging for things like tea & pop. We flew with them about 8 years ago, and they didn't charge for anything apart from beer and they seemed more attentive. Fair enough, alcohol is a different matter, 'cos every flight I've been on charges for that anyway. It just seemed a bit wrong, all the constant selling, especially when a flight isn't exactly cheap.
BTW I paid for the entertainment & headphones on the way home, the headphones went in my bag for next time - I ain't been charged twice

Everynamestaken

Hi, going to vegas in December. I have heard the south rim is a good place to visit. I've been looking at helicopter tours. Anyone got any good recommendations?

Seldom_Seen_Kid

dontone wrote: »

TBH, we hadn't been to Vegas for 5 years, so we weren't sure about any extra costs. It wasn't really made clear, but I really don't think they should be charging for things like tea & pop. We flew with them about 8 years ago, and they didn't charge for anything apart from beer and they seemed more attentive. Fair enough, alcohol is a different matter, 'cos every flight I've been on charges for that anyway. It just seemed a bit wrong, all the constant selling, especially when a flight isn't exactly cheap.
BTW I paid for the entertainment & headphones on the way home, the headphones went in my bag for next time - I ain't been charged twice

I total agree. Hopefully, putting the information out there lets people get prepared, both physically (eg headphones) and mentally (right mind frame).

serenawell

dontone wrote: »

TBH, we hadn't been to Vegas for 5 years, so we weren't sure about any extra costs. It wasn't really made clear, but I really don't think they should be charging for things like tea & pop. We flew with them about 8 years ago, and they didn't charge for anything apart from beer and they seemed more attentive. Fair enough, alcohol is a different matter, 'cos every flight I've been on charges for that anyway. It just seemed a bit wrong, all the constant selling, especially when a flight isn't exactly cheap.
BTW I paid for the entertainment & headphones on the way home, the headphones went in my bag for next time - I ain't been charged twice

It would cost me more in drinks than the actual flight !! I recently went to Chicago and on the way I started on tea - probably had 5/6 mugs . Then I started on the Prosecco - which I was topping up with OJ !! - Was chatting to a very nice lady (whose husband is a famous comedian) and we decided to stop after the second bottle mysteriously emptied.
Funnily enough I found the headphones in my case when I unpacked at the weekend - its weird how that happens LOL

John259

Everynamestaken wrote: »

Hi, going to vegas in December. I have heard the south rim is a good place to visit. I've been looking at helicopter tours. Anyone got any good recommendations?

Because of the distance, helicopter trips from Las Vegas only go to the West Rim (Grand Canyon West) but they can land near the river.

You can also get helicopter trips from Tusayan, which is just outside the South Rim. Because that area of the canyon is a national park, those flights aren't allowed below the rim.

You can get flights on small fixed wing aircraft from Las Vegas to Tusayan. These have a helicopter trip as an optional add-on.

There are also bus tours from Las Vegas to both rims, or you can drive yourself.

The Skywalk is on the West Rim.

The central area of the South Rim has hotels, restaurants, gift shops, etc but outside of that area there are very few buildings and far less crowds. The National Park Service provides free shuttle bus services around the South Rim, and in summer some areas can only be accessed by shuttle bus.

There's also the North Rim, which is in the national park opposite the South Rim. The North Rim is a long way from Las Vegas, accessed by road via southern Utah. It's remote, largely undeveloped, and closed in winter.

vegasvisitor

gamboller wrote: »

Can stay anywhere, just request to pay with reward credits.

https://www.totalrewards.com/content/cet-tr/en/earn-and-redeem/on-location.html

That's a good page, I usually go on there to plan out where I might redeem before we go. I usually make a list of places I think I might go, often checking them for happy hours too (Yes, happy hours and 2/1s etc can be combined with TR points, making them go further and there's also no tax when you pay with them.)

silvercar

Everynamestaken wrote: »

Hi, going to vegas in December. I have heard the south rim is a good place to visit. I've been looking at helicopter tours. Anyone got any good recommendations?

Fly to the south rim and take a helicopter tour from there.

We used a firm called papillon, but there are many others.

This is the tour we did. Flight + coach tour + helicopter with hotel pick up and drop off. Was very well organised.