If you're entertaining the idea of a summer getaway, today's the day to do it (6/25) with deeply discounted airfares valid on trips finished by mid-November.
Credit AirTran's low one-way rates which are good on trips started on or after July 9. The cheapest days to travel are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but trips taken Mondays, Thursdays or Saturdays are just $20 higher than these sample rates:
- $66.80 Chicago; New Orleans; Sarasota or Tampa
- $68.80 Memphis
- $83.80 New York City-LaGuardia
- $98.80 Boston
- $113.80 Detroit
- $158.80 Key West, Fla.
There are a few blackout dates: July 21, 28 and Sept. 3. Finish travel on or before Nov. 14. This AirTran sale is matched by other carriers. Give a ten-day or more advance notice of travel. Buy tickets through midnight.
When AirTran runs a systemwide sale, Delta Air Lines and other biggie carriers often extend the savings to nearby destinations. For instance, these round-trip rates follow the same AirTran rules, but there is one exception. A three-night minimum stay is required when departing Atlanta Sundays through Wednesdays. Otherwise, a Saturday night stay is required. Here are some sample round-trip rates:
- $165.60 Wichita, Kansas
- $172.10 Cincinnati
- $175.60 Flint, Mich.
- $205.60 Grand Rapids, Mich.
- $257.60 Hartford, Ct.
- $267.20 Traverse City, Mich.
- $277.60 Roanoke, Va.
- $295.60 Austin, Texas
- $307.60 Oakland or San Francisco, Calif.
- $361.20 Reno-Tahoe, Nev.
Buy tickets through midnight (6/25).
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 websites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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