Airfare Deals: China, Mexico, Hawaii, and Colorado Ski Towns

Reserve your seat today on a flight to the beaches of Hawaii and Mexico, the slopes of Colorado or farther afield to China -- plus Airfare Watchdog's take on the continuing to acquire US Air frequent flier miles.

By Tracy Stewart

Airfarewatchdog.com

Air Canada's 20% Off Promo Code for Beijing & Shanghai

Take 20% off flights to Beijing and Shanghai from cities in Canada. Just use the latest promo code from Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262; www.aircanada.com). To apply the 20% off discount, enter promo code NQPE9QV1 at time of purchase. Offer is valid for travel from Oct. 23 through Dec. 29. Book by midnight, Sept. 30.

Round-trip fares (including all taxes):

For a complete list, visit our fare pages for Shanghai and Beijing.

Mexico Sale from Alaska Airlines

Save on fall flights to Mexico with the current sale from Alaska Airlines (tel. 800/426-0333; www.alaskaair.com). Travel dates and rules will vary by route, so be sure to read our Fare Details for specifics.

Travel to Puerto Vallarta is valid Sundays through Wednesdays from Sept. 23, through Oct. 17. Travel to Los Cabos is valid Sundays through Wednesdays from Sept. 23, through October 31. Travel from Puerto Vallarta is valid Tuesdays through Fridays from Sept. 21, through Nov. 9. Travel from Los Cabos is valid Tuesdays through Fridays from Sept. 21, through Nov. 9.

No advance purchase required. All tickets must be booked by 11:59pm, Oct. 1.

Round-trip fares (including all taxes):

Hawaii Sale from American Airlines

American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com) is offering discounted fares to Hawaii for travel through Dec. 14. Fares are valid for travel Mondays through Thursdays. All tickets must be booked by 11:59pm CT, Oct. 7.

Tickets require a 3-night minimum stay. Avoid blackout dates on travel to Hawaii on Nov. 15-19, and from Hawaii on Nov. 23-27.

Round-trip fares (including all taxes):

For a complete list of current deals, visit our fare pages for Honolulu, Maui, Kona, and Lihue.

Ski Sale from Frontier

Get a jump on your winter ski trip with the new sale from Frontier (tel. 800/432-1359; www.flyfrontier.com). Fly to Colorado Springs, Aspen, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, and Durango. Sale fares are valid for travel through Feb. 13, Mondays through Thursdays. Tickets require a 21-day advance purchase, and must be booked by 11:59 pm ET, Oct. 1.

Seats are limited at these fares and certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable, especially during busy travel periods.

Other airlines (United, Delta) may be matching along some routes. Round-trip fares include:

From the Mailbag: Merger Miles (US Air Dividend + American Advantage?)

Q: After all of the news articles this year about a possible merger between US Airways and American Airlines, I am concerned about the fate of my US Air Dividend Miles. I would love to continue earning or purchasing additional miles but am not sure if I should do that or not. Without hearing about any clear conclusion one way or the other if a merger will actually take place, does it behoove us to keep acquiring miles with US Air? I would hate to have a high mileage balance only to find out that the airline alliance where they are destined to go is one whose airline partners I don't fly based on their routes or personal preference. What are your thoughts?

A: Read on.

Additional Reporting by Tracy Stewart

George Hobica is a syndicated travel journalist and blogger whose website, www.airfarewatchdog.com, tracks unadvertised airfare wars and fare sales, including the most helpful and always updated Top 50 Airfares.