Deals Await the Flexible Flier

If you're like me, you may be feeling a little depressed about airline fares of late. I keep wanting to go somewhere but with all the reports of airline prices doubling over the past year......

I just read an article with some helpful hints with regard to how to keep your airfare down in these high priced fuel times. Here are a few suggestions:

Act fast. Many airlines are reducing their fleets this year, starting in September, Mr. Harteveldt said, so travelers will compete for fewer seats. "If you see a good price, it's where you want to go, a price you can afford, then don't wait around. Chances are there aren't going to be many seats at that low price," he said.

Rethink your destination. If you have got to get away but prices are hindering you, think about changing your destination. Airfares to New York are up about 23% this summer from last summer, versus a 7% rise on airfares to Seattle, according to Travelocity, based on booking data. Airfares to Rome are up 19%, while airfares to Cancún are up 2%. Airfares to the Bahamas are up 14%, while those to the U.S. Virgin Islands are down almost 3%, according to Travelocity.
I would LOVE to visit NY this Fall but....Seattle sounds good as well. Sorry Anit :-) Also, Jessica, my co-worker, just got back from a wonderful time in Cancun. Great ruins! Hot weather :-(

Plan. Some industry watchers see prices rising higher; others aren't so sure. Still, planning is often a better strategy than waiting. "Half of us know where we want to be for Thanksgiving ... yet most of us wait. If you know right now, book now," said Rudy Maxa, host of the travel show "Rudy Maxa's World" on PBS.

Time your search. Start looking for deals midweek. Airlines often file their weekly Web specials on Tuesdays, said Amy Ziff, editor at large with Travelocity. "As those come online, that availability will be seen Tuesday or Wednesday."

If you're interested in the remaining tips, here's the link: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/105304/Deals-Await-the-Flexible-Flier

And you know, for those of us in the Bay Area, we have so many fun, beautiful, educational places to visit and things to do right here in our own backyard. So call me and we'll go do something.....and take BART :-)