Here are a few of my favorite Cyber Monday travel bargains.
American Airlines offers exclusive round-trip rates to exotic destinations.
One deal that will expire sometime today (could be at any hour) is a round-trip sale rate of $249 to Tokyo, Japan ($929.10 inclusive of all taxes and fees) or $399 round-trip to Beijing ($854.30 inclusive) or Shanghai ($806 inclusive), China. Delta Air Line's round-trip rate to Tokyo during the same sale season is $2,224.10 round-trip! Consider American's offers to be the bargain of the day -- or perhaps one of the best deals of the year-end.
To qualify, start trips on or after January 3 and finish travel by Feb. 16 (or within 30 days of departure, whichever comes first). Stay at least any three nights.
American serves these Asia destinations with a one stop connection at Chicago-O'Hare Airport.
Other stunning deals from American Airlines gets you to South America on the cheap.
Round-trip rates of $99 to Lima, Peru ($805.84 inclusive) saves about $300 compared to other carriers. Another deal to Santiago, Chile of $299 ($990.10 inclusive) shaves nearly $1,000 off of competitors rates.
To land these bargains, start travel on or after March 1. Plan to be away at least any three nights. Stay up to 90 days or return by June 30, whichever comes first.
Some blackout dates to avoid are March 9-11, 24, 25 south; March 16-19, 24-26; April 7, 8 north.
The South American deals require ticketing on or before Dec. 12. But act fast, these rates will sell out quickly.
American serves South American destinations with one flight connection in Miami.
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. Airlines can discontinue or pull a sale price without notice when the offer does not have a "ticket-by" date or when the offer is deemed "sold out."
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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