It's a busy week in Airline-ville. Everyone's gearing up for their summer season. Adding flights. Hiring people. Oh -- and getting customers. That's my favorite part.
For the past couple of days, I've been really crunching the fares to find the best deals. That said, we always keep an eye on Alaska Airlines -- because of the carrier's dominant position in Anchorage.
Today, Alaska Airlines came out with a nice springtime sale. It overlaps nicely with some lower fares offered by United Airlines and its partners Continental and USAir.
First, some of the basics. Alaska's sale fares are valid for travel outside the state on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between April 6 and June 18, 2010.
You have to purchase your tickets at least 14 days in advance. However, you must purchase no later than Apr. 2, 2010.
I've been waiting for a better deal from Anchorage to Seattle -- and here it is: $418 roundtrip, plus taxes and fees. Here are some of my other hand-picked favorites (all originating in Anchorage):
Alaska is offering good deals to other destinations in the western U.S., including Santa Barbara ($239 one-way) and Boise ($239 one-way).
Additionally, Alaska is putting its in-state destinations on sale as well. For in-state trips, you can travel any day of the week (all originating in Anchorage):
Other airlines also are putting out sale fares, including Delta and United. What's interesting about United's new fares is this: United may or may not offer any or all of the flights. Many of the sale fares reflect flights operated by USAir, Continental, or both. Never mind the puddle-jumpers from Chicago to Des Moines or Grand Rapids. But that's the power of a mega-alliance like United's Star Alliance or Delta's SkyTeam. The best United and Delta rates require a 21-day advance purchase. Other restrictions apply -- but there is no "end date" to preclude summertime travel. Here are some of my favorites (all originating in Anchorage):
United has filed lower fares to almost all destinations in the Lower 48 that previously were in the $700-$900 round-trip range. Places like Detroit, Des Moines, Charlotte, Memphis, Pittsburgh and Nashville -- all around $560-$570 round-trip.
These springtime air fare sales are good -- and my guess is summer sales are right around the corner. Let's hope so. It's amazing what a little competition will do!