Here’s a pair of red hot airfare deals that are valid on trips completed by Nov. 15, 2013. But make haste to buy tickets as these offers do not have a ticket-by date. The lack of a ticket-by date indicates the sale rate could disappear within hours.

  • The first deal, a $100 one-way offer to Flint, Michigan from AirTran and Delta, requires a 21-day or more advance notice of travel. Trips at this rate are permitted seven days a week, based on sale seat availability. There are no blackout dates to avoid. Both carriers offer daily nonstop flights. American and United match this rate with connecting service via Chicago-O'Hare.
  • Perhaps you're dreaming of celebrating the holiday season at the beach? American Airlines offers an exclusive one-way deal of $111 to San Diego. This offer doesn't require any advance notice of travel, so take off as soon as this evening. Trips are permitted any day of the week. And, there are no blackout dates to avoid! American serves San Diego with one connecting flight via Dallas-Fort Worth. Compare this rate to the competition's lowest one-way rate of $250.

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, Orbitz 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.