Spring Airline Deals 2005

It's come down to basic survival mode for many of the world's largest and most powerful airlines. Earlier this year, several key U.S. carriers simplified fares, capped short-notice fares, and eliminated Saturday-night stay requirements.

This gambling might hasten their demise, or it might draw more passengers and brighter revenues.

We'll leave that to the Wall Street analysts to ponder.

The question for travelers is far simpler: Will all of these changes save me money on my next trip?

Fortunately, the answer appears to be "yes" in many cases.

Let's look at a few of the fare sales within North America that should be good through mid-May. Naturally, those that sell out quickly can vanish. If you see a deal you like, book it immediately.

American's Spring and Summer Sale runs through August 3, 2005 for all destinations except Florida. Sample roundtrip economy fares include Chicago-Salt Lake City for $218 USD; Nashville-Chicago $78; San Francisco-St. Louis $228. Tickets must be purchased within 14 days of departure or 24 hours of making reservations, whichever comes first. As with virtually all sale fares anywhere, these are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Budget AirTran Airways offers some spring travel deals that might appeal to business travelers. One example: From Chicago Midway to New York LaGuardia, they offer a $89 fare between March 1 and June 6, 2005. This fare is not based on a roundtrip purchase. The same price is available between Dallas-LGA. For $99, add Houston, Kansas City and even Los Angeles or San Francisco to the LaGuardia list.

Airtran is also offering X-Fares for younger travelers. Read about them on About's student travel site.

United's low-cost carrier Ted offers one-way travel from its Chicago Midway hub to Washington Dulles for $59, and Denver, Reno, or Ontario (CA) for $79. A 14-day advance purchase and overnight stay are required.

The Spring Sale on America West includes fares such as $39 one-way between San Diego and Phoenix; $79 from LAX to Philadelphia; $99 from Hartford to San Diego. These fares are good for travel through June 6.

There are some great deals at at this time of year on trans-continental travel, too. Click "next" and take a look.