Just when you thought you had a handle on the best fares -- everything changes. Overnight.
That's what happened over the weekend. Alaska Airlines had a fare sale. It has come and gone. Some airlines matched the fares dollar-for-dollar. Some did not.
Now, we're approaching the summer travel season, where competition will heat up on nonstop routes to San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Portland and Seattle. But all fares are not created equal.
For example, if you want to travel later this month into early May, it can be very expensive on Alaska Airlines. That's because Alaska Airlines is waiting for the other airlines to start their service before discounting it. Call it competitive pricing, call it predatory -- it's just what airlines do. Usually.
In this case, U.S. Airways is offering the lower fares immediately although they require a 21-day advance purchase. This is just one example of how prices can vary significantly between carriers. For travelers, it represents a dizzying array of options and prices. Welcome to the world of the professional travel agent.
Let's review some of the differences.
Are you flying between Anchorage and New York City during the least week of April? Alaska Airlines wants $713 roundtrip into Newark. Compare that with Delta's fare of $479 roundtrip into JFK (which includes some Alaska Airlines flights). Continental will charge you $523 roundtrip into Newark, and USAirways wants $493 roundtrip into LaGuardia. Whew.
How about between Anchorage and Washington, D.C.? Alaska Airlines is charging $597 roundtrip, while Continental wants $527 roundtrip (through Houston). Again -- this is for travel between April 23 and April 29, 2010.
If you're headed to Phoenix, you should consider using mileage because the fares are too high. But if you have to buy a ticket, consider USAir's nonstop flight: a whopping $672 roundtrip. What could be worse? HA! Alaska Airlines: $730 roundtrip.
Between Anchorage and San Francisco, the fare discrepancies are pronounced: $677 roundtrip on Alaska Airlines, versus $481 roundtrip on USAir.
Chicago is another high-priced destination for Alaska Airlines although the airline does fly there nonstop: $688 roundtrip. Compare that with USAir's price of $467 roundtrip.
Headed to the Mile High City? You'll pay $649 roundtrip to fly Alaska Airlines to Denver during the last week of April. USAir charges $498 roundtrip or the same dates.
Alaska Airlines costs $101 more than USAir between Anchorage and L.A. ($484 on USAir, $585 on Alaska Air).
Keep in mind, all of these itineraries are for travel in late April and early May. But it underscores the vital influence of competitive flights when it comes to cheaper fares.
These back-and-forth fare differences likely will flatten out in a week or two. Either USAir will raise the fares, or Alaska Airlines will match the lower rates.
If you're traveling during this time, I wouldn't wait around to find out -- unless you want to pay the higher rate.
Stay tuned for more discounting as the summer approaches.