Salt Lake City deal gets even better

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

The major airlines are making it crystal clear this week that the cost to travel by air is on the rise.

To hedge against future fuel price increases, USAirways will surcharge all domestic flights by 5% on trips started on or after May 8, 2010.

Also this week, three biggie carriers - Delta, Northwest and United - announced they will collect surcharge fees on as many as 41 travel days now through May 28. Those fees range from $10-$50 each way. Expect other airlines to quickly match this move.

So why don't consumers hedge against future price rises in airfare? We can. And today's airfare deal is a perfect example. Buy tickets today and pat yourself on the back later when you realize what you've saved.

The travel tip today is actually a repeat of one from earlier this week, but the rate has dropped an additional $10. That's news worthy!

Here's the deal: Travel one-way on American Airlines to Salt Lake City for $62, or $83.20 each way including all taxes and fees.

This rate is good any day of the week (based on sale seat availability) through Oct. 16, 2010. Give at least a 3-day advance notice of travel.

Avoid these blackout dates: Nov. 20, 28-30; Dec. 18, 19, 23, 24, 26-30; Jan. 2-4.

The state of Utah has 11 world-class ski and boarding resorts within a one hour drive of Salt Lake City International Airport.

Wrap up some round-trip airline tickets this holiday season for the whole gang to experience the "Greatest Snow on Earth," http://www.skiutah.com/winter/index.html