Spring deals to Europe
Airfares to Europe that hovered around the $1,000 level kept many travelers on this side of the pond last year. Those sky high prices were mostly due to taxes, fees and surcharges that are often pricier than the actual published airfare. And those extra fees will stay in place in 2011 and possibly go higher as fuel costs take a sharp rise.
But here are a pair of bargains to take advantage of for spring visits. Both offers are from USAirways through their Charlotte, N.C. or Philadelphia hub airports. The carrier does permit a stopover in either city at no additional cost.
USAirways prices London at $245 round-trip ($678.70 inclusive of all taxes, fees) and Rome, Italy at $293 ($726.30 inclusive). To qualify, depart April 13-May 15. These sale rates are valid on Sunday-Thursday eastbound travel and Monday-Thursday returns. Other days of the week are $25 more, each way. Stay of up to 30 days are permitted.
This sale has a ticket-by date of Feb. 10, but these deals are not expected to stick around for long. Don't delay your purchase if you plan on a spring abroad. Rates are not expected to get much lower than these current offers.
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.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
