Catch three elusive deals to Europe

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Good airfare deals to Europe have become elusive, even for trips during the least popular winter season. In fact, we've come to a point in time where the government taxes, airport fees and fuel surcharges are actually higher than the cost of a seat on the plane.

Another reason prices haven't dipped much is due mostly to the airlines reacting to a softer demand and reducing the number of seats offered across the Atlantic. The seat supply is now closely keeping pace with the demand.

So, when deals do pop up, take advantage and buy!

Here are three decent deals valid for winter to early spring travel:

USAirways offers a $270 round-trip rate to cities it serves across Germany, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart. The rate inclusive of all fees and taxes is $564. Give a one-week advance notice of travel. Depart by Dec. 18 or again from Jan. 5-March 28. Buy tickets through Nov. 3.

Round-trip rates on American Airlines to Madrid, Spain are $294, or $639 including all taxes, fees. Depart through March 28. This rate is not allowed to Spain on Dec. 19-21; Dec. 28-Jan. 7 and returns from Spain Dec. 16-24 or Jan. 2-6. Buy tickets through Nov. 5.

Book tickets to Paris by Nov. 5 on USAirways for a $380 round-trip rate, or $775 inclusive of all extras. This rate is valid on Nov. 1-Dec. 16 or Jan. 6-March 15 departures. Buy tickets by Nov. 5.

All three of these offers are based on off-peak travel days (Sunday-Thursday east; Monday-Thursday west) with other days of the week from $20-$25 higher each way. A Saturday night minimum stay is required, and the maximum stay is 30 days.