Falling Fares
Record Losses Have Airlines Scrambling

American and Delta are not alone. Visit the Web site of any major airline, and you'll find large numbers of deals.

At United, where their second quarter losses totaled $292 million, a hiring freeze went into effect, and they're not replacing non-essential employees who leave on their own.

United offers reduced fares from its Chicago hub. Tickets can be purchased seven days in advance, and no Saturday stay is required.

This trend is not limited to U.S. carriers. One example: British Airways is offering low fares for autumn, including a $139 USD one-way fare between New York and London.

Beginning to see a pattern?

Use the Internet, But Be Cautious

In recent weeks, there have been scores of news stories about how airlines are capping travel agent commissions. Airlines clearly want you to use the Internet, thus freeing up employees assigned to book reservations the old-fashioned way.

With a travel agent, accidental clicks that buy a non-refundable ticket for the wrong day are not a problem.

But you also should know airlines are knocking an additional 10 percent from sale fares when you book online.

With that in mind, a few tips for shopping and buying in this time of airline hand-wringing:

Happy Shopping!

Meteorologists are getting better at telling us where tornadoes will touch down, but they still can't guarantee an exact spot or time.

They are good (usually) at pointing out when conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.

Likewise, we can't predict with certainty that the airline industry will make this an autumn of awesome deals, but conditions are favorable.

Armed with that knowledge, go out there and find a bargain!