USA 3000 Cancun Sale
USA 3000 Airlines (tel. 877/872-3000; www.usa3000.com) is offering $99 one-way fares to Cancun from all its US gateways. Here are some sample fares and routes, with next-lowest comparisons culled from Travelocity.com.
Depart July 11, Return July 18
- Baltimore to Cancun $276 vs. $299 on US Airways
- Cleveland to Cancun $290 vs. $423 on United
Depart July 19, Return July 26
- Detroit to Cancun $276 vs. $310 on Northwest
So it looks like these USA 3000 fares are pretty good, plus some of the routes are on nonstops. However, USA 3000 doesn't have daily flights to Cancun so you have to be flexible in choosing dates. Luckily, their booking engine has a decent flexible date search capability. Travel now through September 30, 2006. Purchase by June 12, 2006 on www.usa3000.com.
Cathy Pacific Sale to Manila
Cathy Pacific (tel. 800/233-2742; www.cathay-usa.com) has announced its deal of the month for June and is having a sale on flights to Manila from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York (JFK). Looks like you'll save some money with this one, and, for those of you who haven't flown Cathay, it's a stellar airline.
Depart September 5, Return September 12
- New York to Manila $904 vs. next lowest $977 on China Airlines
- San Francisco to Manila $804 vs. $930 on Philippine Airlines
Depart September 13, Return September 20
- Los Angeles to Manila $804 vs. $884 on Philippine Airlines
Tahiti Fares Slashed on Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui (tel. 877/824-4846; www.airtahitinui-usa.com) is offering an unbeatable sale on fall flights to French Polynesia. Depart from New York or Los Angeles on nonstop flights to Tahiti.
Depart September 13, Return September 20
- Los Angeles to Papeete, French Polynesia $736 vs. next lowest $1,174 on Qantas
Depart November 15, Return November 21
- New York (JFK) to Papeete, French Polynesia $936 vs. $1,498 on Delta
As you can see, Air Tahiti Nui offers the best fares by far on these two routes. Plus, these are nonstop flights. Travel September 1, 2006 through November 30, 2006. August travel is additional $40. Tickets must be book on www.airtahitinui-usa.com.
Hawaiian Airlines $50 Discount
Hawaiian Airlines (tel. 800/367-5320; www.hawaiianair.com) is offering a $50 discount on round-trip travel for a few specific routes and all trips departing from Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and San Jose.
- Portland ¿ Kahului, Maui
- San Diego ¿ Kahului, Maui
- Seattle ¿ Kahului, Maui
But before you start dreaming of luaus and hula lessons, take a look at some sample fares with the discount including faxes and fees.
Depart July 11, Return July 19
- Seattle to Kahului, Maui $491 vs. $415 on NW
Depart August 30, Return September 6
- Los Angeles to Honolulu $397 vs. $362 on ATA
Depart August 16, Return August 21
- San Francisco to Kona $741 vs. $397 on American
As you can see, even with the discount, other carriers are beating Hawaiian's fares, at least on the three routes we checked at random. Even so, these fares are not bad for summer travel, which is considered peak season, to Hawaii. Travel August 1, 2006 through September 30, 2006 except for Seattle and Portland (travel begins June 1). You must book on the website as a member of Hawaiianmiles. Purchase by June 23, 2006. We'd say that this discount is no great shakes, but we thought we'd mention it to save you the bother of looking at it yourself.
Midwest Airlines Milwaukee and Kansas City Sale
Midwest Airlines is having a sale on flights from/to Milwaukee and Kansas City.
Some comps, all round-trip:
Depart July 10, Return July 18
- Milwaukee from/to Minneapolis $195 vs. $157 on Northwest
- Milwaukee from/to Newark $195 vs. $157 on Northwest
Depart July 18, Return July 26
- Kansas City to/from San Antonio $215 vs. next lowest $222 on Northwest
As you can see, Northwest has matched or beaten many of Midwest's sale fares, although in some cases Midwest is going to be offering nonstops vs. Northwest's connecting flights. Plus, of course, let's not forget that Midwest offers what is essentially all-first class seating on many of its flights, along with exemplary airplane food (no, that's not an oxymoron) including fresh baked cookies for dessert. So price isn't always everything. Travel thru July 31, 2006. A Friday- or Saturday-night stay is required. Purchase by June 12, 2006.
Delta sale to Latin America
Delta Air Lines (tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com) is offering sale fares to select destinations in Latin America from Atlanta. These destinations include Guatemala City, Managua, Merida, and San Pedro Sula. Below are some sample round-trip fares including taxes and fees.
Depart July 12, Return July 18
- Atlanta to Guatemala City $401 vs. next lowest $408 on American
- Atlanta to Managua, Nicaragua $466 vs. $471 on Continental
So as is often the case, other carriers are matching these sale fares. Travel must begin on or before July 31, 2006 and be completed by August 31, 2006. Purchase by June 12, 2006
AirTran Sale
AirTran (tel. 800/247-8726; www.airtran.com) is having yet another big sale covering all their destinations, with fares starting as low as $39 one-way (round-trip purchase not required). Most of these routes are the same ones as in last week's sale but there are some new lower fares.
Sample one-way fares before taxes and fees:
Typically the long-haul fares aren't as good value, compared to what other airlines are offering, as the shorter hops:
- Washington to/from Seattle $169 one-way vs. $99 one-way on ATA
- Philadelphia to/from Las Vegas $159 one-way vs. $196 round-trip on Northwest
For the lowest fares, travel Tuesday or Wednesday through November 8, 2006. Fares are higher on other days, and this sale doesn't apply to Friday or Sunday travel. A 14-day advance purchase is required. Blackouts on June 29 and 30; July 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9; and September 4, 2006. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 PM EST on June 8, 2006.
Transfer Alaska Miles
Alaska Airlines (tel. 800/252-7522; www.alaskaair.com) has joined other major airlines in offering the ability to transfer frequent flier miles, for a fee, to another person. This is great way to top off an account and get enough miles for an award. Miles can be used not only on Alaska but also on partner airlines American and Delta. Transfer 1,000 to 30,000 miles in increments of 1,000 miles for one cent per mile, plus a $25 processing fee per transaction. Learn more and take advantage of this offer at their website.
Additional reporting by David Shan
George Hobica is a syndicated travel journalist and blogger whose website, www.airfarewatchdog.com, tracks unadvertised airfare wars and other fare sales.
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