Winter bargains to Europe

By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

Planning a summer vacation trip to Europe in 2012? Get ready to rob a bank.

Airfares throughout the peak season (June-October) to Europe are shockingly steep with most popular destinations priced from $1,500 and up for a round-trip ticket. And those prices are not likely to fall in the coming months.

With a sluggish economy and another year of high fuel costs, most carriers are reducing their supply of seats. With fewer seats the airlines can keep planes full and airfares at a premium high. For instance, Delta Air Lines planned in 2011 to reduce seat capacity to Europe as much as 12 percent (1-3 percent domestically and to Asia).

The way to save to Europe is to jump on the real bargains offered on travel throughout the winter season (now-late March). In most cases you'll save 50 percent.

Through midnight, Jan. 11, American Airlines and airline partners Continental, Lufthansa, United and USAirways are offering base round-trip rates to select spots in Europe for $190.

The $190 deal is good to Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Stuttgart, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Lisbon, Portugal (rare to see rates under $400); Vienna, Austria and Zurich, Switzerland.

Plan to travel mid-week each way or add another $25-$30 per direction. Depart on or after January 23 and through March 22. Plan to be away at least one weekend and no longer than one month.

There are some minor exceptions. American Airlines permits departures through April 1 and no blackout dates. Other airline blackout dates include March 30 and April 1, 6-8.

Taxes, surcharges and other fees are additional. Sample round-trip rates include $766.50 to Lisbon; $782.20 to Zurich and $826.50 to Frankfurt.

Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase.

I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel Web sites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.

Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.