USAirways Steps Up: Book Now for the First Summer Sale to Europe

May 21, 2003 -- As the mercury here in New York hits 80 degrees, we've been waiting to see which of the airlines will blink first and cut their traditionally-high summer fares to Europe. It looks like the winner is US Airways, which is offering great deals to four European cities for travel in July -- but only if you buy today.

Fares are from Boston, Charlotte, LA, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, San Francisco and DC to Amsterdam, London, Manchester (UK) and Paris. Flights leave July 1-27 and return July 7-August 3, a Saturday night stay is required, and lest you forget, you've got to book today.

Choice fares include:

• Boston or New York to Manchester: $339
  
• Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Charlotte to London: $349
  
• New York, Boston or Philadelphia to Amsterdam: $389
  
• LA or San Francisco to Amsterdam: $479

London, Amsterdam and Paris are self-explanatory, world-class destinations. Manchester (www.frommers.com/destinations/manchester) is a gateway to the north of England, less than two hours from the Lake District (for nature lovers) and less than an hour from Liverpool (for Beatles fans).

We checked a half-dozen of these fares against other sources, and they're by far the lowest prices available for these peak July travel dates. While other airlines may conceivably offer July sales soon, none of the other low fares we've seen so far from reputable US or European carriers have allowed travel later than June 18.

These fares are so good, they've been selling out swiftly; when we tried to book them on US Airways' Web site, we had to juggle our travel dates a few times to find available seats. Don't delay, buy today at www.usairways.com/promotions/esavers/offer_eur.htm.