Spring hasn't yet graced all of the states, but it's not too soon to start planning your summer and even winter getaways with these 'spot' sale rates. These are super low rates that are published for just a day or two and then suddenly vanish.
Here are some unbeatable prices to fun year-round destinations -- with some deals valid through early spring of 2012 (rates include all taxes and fees). Any of the following rates could disappear in hours. If you see an offer that tickles your fancy, buy tickets immediately.
Boston: $103.40 one-way with United; 10-day advance purchase notice; valid seven days a week; no blackouts; finish travel on or before March 4, 2012.
San Diego: $118.90 each way with Continental; 7-day advance purchase notice; valid seven days a week; no blackouts; finish travel on or before March 4, 2012.
Phoenix: $135.40 each way with United; 21-day advance purchase notice; valid seven days a week; no blackouts; finish travel on or before March 4, 2012.
Cancun, Mexico: $143.46 one-way with AirTran; no advance purchase notice required; valid seven days a week; no blackouts; finish travel on or before Nov. 2, 2011.
Palm Springs, Calif.: $150.50 each way with most airlines; 7-day advance purchase notice; valid seven days a week; no blackouts; finish travel on or before March 4, 2012.
Seattle: $259.80 round-trip with American; 7-day advance purchase notice; valid seven days a week; stay a Saturday night; no blackouts; finish travel on or before March 4, 2012.
Reno-Lake Tahoe, Nev.: $280.80 round-trip with Delta or United; 7-day advance purchase notice; valid Monday-Saturday; no blackouts; stay a Saturday night; finish travel on or before May 31, 2011.
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 Kayak.com, Expedia.com or Travelocity.com, etc. Airlines can discontinue or pull a sale price without notice when the offer is deemed "sold out," or when that rate does not have a "ticket-by" date.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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