Fare Sales in Winter
Winter airfare sales tend to be short lived, but don't be discouraged if you miss the deadlines. This time of year, airlines often extend the dates or offer new sales.
With the increase in fuel costs, many airlines are curtailing their usual holiday flights and their off-season seat totals may decline again this year. That might make bargains tougher to find, but they are still available at times. Some airlines have instituted peak pricing policies for December and early January. Be aware of who is charging these fees and consider if there are alternative airlines that don't charge such fees serving the same routes.
The point is to watch for these opportunities and book them quickly if they fit your budget and your plans.
Delta is offering ongoing deals for Singapore, Saipan, Taipei, Guam and Seoul that could expire at any time, so if you're interested, book them immediately.
United offers Ski Destination Deals from cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. Advance purchase may be required on some routes, and although there is no expiration date listed, "prices could change at any time."
Frontier offer sale fares from 72 cities. Simply click on an airport and learn immediately how many destinations are available from that starting point. Frontier will appeal to skiers, since it has a hub in Denver.
Icelandair.com offers a four-day Golden Circle Getaway that includes air, hotel and the famous Golden Circle tour. The offer is suspended for the holidays on Dec. 15 but then begins again Jan. 6-Mar. 27. Rates start at $693/person double occupancy from Seattle, New York or Boston.
1800 Fly Europe offers Europe airfare deals until March 31. Sample fares based on lead-in from New York. Weekend surcharges may apply. Fares are round trip excluding taxes. Sample fares: London from $427; Dublin from $387; Paris from $537. All of those prices are up from a year ago, especially the Paris quote.
Be sure to read all restrictions carefully before purchase. Sale fares tend to be non-refundable and limited by availability.
