Half-off some flights on the West Coast
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Just in time for end-of-summer vacation planning, Reno-based discount airline Aha! has announced a flash 50%-off sale that runs from today to this Friday, July 29, 2022.
The sale covers all Aha! flight routes from 11 western U.S. cities nonstop to Reno, Nevada. The promotion is valid for travel between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15, 2022. However, blackout dates apply over Labor Day weekend from Sept. 2-5.
"We're thrilled to offer travelers the opportunity to squeeze in a last-minute trip to explore the incredible gaming, dining, spas...and fun of Reno and Lake Tahoe with our best sale of the season at 50% off," said Tim Sieber, head of Aha!
"Our nonstop flights to and from Reno-Tahoe International Airport give travelers more time for adventure and less time traveling; making short, spontaneous vacations possible this summer," he added.
Reno is an attractive vacation destination even in August, as its high elevation helps it escape the worst of the summer heat. Also, the city offers easy access to nearby Lake Tahoe (about a 45-minute drive away on the California/Nevada border) making it a good hub for summer adventures.
The airline is also offering package vacation deals (living up to its name: Aha! stands for air-hotel-adventure) on its Destination Adventure website. Currently, it's offering a 15% off deal for tours, transportation and adventures in destinations including Reno, Lake Tahoe and Palm Springs, California.
The airline has also been running a "wine flies free" promotion enabling you to bring home your purchases from California, Oregon and Washington wine regions.
Aha! provides passengers with increased travel options around the West by maintaining its access to smaller airports (like the one in Santa Rosa in California's Sonoma County) that are being increasingly abandoned by large carriers
Deal basics
Airline: Aha!
Routes: Between Reno and 11 western cities: Boise, Idaho; Eugene, Oregon; Fresno, California; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Medford, Oregon; Ontario, California (San Bernadino County), Palm Springs, California; Pasco, Washington; Redmond, Oregon; Santa Rosa, California; and Spokane, Washington.
How to book: Directly through Aha! using the promo code SUMMER50.
Travel dates: Aug.1-Sept.15, 2022, with blackout dates Sept. 2-5.
Reservations must be made at least seven days prior to travel, are not nonrefundable and cannot be changed. Additional charges apply for checked bags, preboarding and seat assignments.
The 50% off discount does not apply to government and airport fees or baggage charges. Note passengers can only carry personal items that fit under the seat, all roller bags must be checked ($30).
Related: Aha! discount airline launches flights
Sample flights
Using Aha!'s discount code to fly a popular route from Ontario International Airport (ONT), east of Los Angeles to Reno for a long weekend from Sept. 9-12, 2022, shows pricing for a round trip to be a bargain at $69.40.
That price includes taxes and fees but excludes an undisclosed "payment processing" fee. This is a discount of about $38 from the lowest regular Aha! fares between the cities.
If you want to reserve a seat for the flight, additional charges range from $10 to $30 depending on the seat. Baggage charges begin at $30 for the first bag, $50 for the second bag and $100 for any additional bags.
So this flight only makes sense if you're traveling light, as the airline does not allow any carry-on bags beyond personal items that fit under the seat.
The longest distance nonstop Aha! route from Spokane, Washington, to Reno prices out at $99.38 under the promotion on a sample trip from Sept. 9-12, 2022.
This saves about $66 from its lowest price "Budget" flight option, with no free luggage, seat choice or eligibility for change or refund. If you're shopping in wine country around Spokane, though, you can check a case of wine for free.
Related: Aha! introduces its first routes
Maximize your purchase
Pay with The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points for every dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or via American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar on air travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
If you're based anywhere close to one of the airports served by Aha!, these are some great last-minute deals to enjoy a quick end-of-summer Reno getaway.
The flights are affordable enough to also consider using the promotion to plan longer West Coast trips connecting through Reno, including between southern California and the Pacific Northwest. Be mindful of the luggage fees, which can add up quickly.
Expect Aha! to continue to run promotions with discount fares and package tour deals as it works to expand its flight network and customer base.
Its flight routes provide useful access to some smaller airports that are increasingly getting dropped from the major carrier networks.