Ski season special: $134 O/W to Vail

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Take advantage of one of the best airfare deals to reach the Rockies during the 2009-10 ski season.

Some years ago, a round-trip ticket to Vail-Eagle, Colo., was topping $600. But rates have recently dropped to an affordable $134 each way, or $144.60 including taxes and fees.

Delta Air Lines offers seasonal service from Dec. 19-March 28 with one daily nonstop flight from Atlanta.

United Airlines matches this special rate on its service via Denver starting Sept. 1, and going through July 28, 2010.

Seasonal service with American Airlines begins Sept. 16 with flights via Dallas-Fort Worth. The last permitted day of travel at this rate is July 28, 2010.

Two top features of this sale: Trips can be taken any day of the week, based on availability. Also, there are no blackout dates, though finding availability on peak year-end dates may present a challenge.

Airfares are subject to change without notice.

To ensure that this special rate is still valid when you get around to buying tickets, first visit Kayak.com and enter your city pairs. Next, start to fill in your travel dates. You should instantly see a calendar pop-up on the right side of your monitor with this sale price indicated on specific dates. If you don't see the special rate, try changing your dates/month of travel using the pull-down months shown just above the calendar. If you still don't see this rate, it is highly likely that the rate no longer exists. Good luck!

For affordable lodging in Vail, start a search at TripAdvisor.com. The consumer-fueled web site currently lists 527 private vacation rentals with most listings professionally managed by FlipKey.com. Nighly rates start as low as $75 for a condo unit.