It's a challenge digging through airfare deals from Alaska this week. Alaska Airlines has another sale going on with fares valid until Monday, Aug. 27. Other airlines don't list a "purchase by" date -- but I wouldn't wait around if you see a good deal.
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Let's drill down on the best rates around the state, the nation -- and the world!
Condor Airlines: On the international front, Condor offers flights from Alaska to Germany through Oct. 9, 2012. Fly nonstop from Stevens Anchorage International to Frankfurt Oct. 2, returning Oct. 9, for as little as $792. That's a great deal.
Fall flights from Alaska to Lower 48
- Airfare wars have kept flights to the greater Los Angeles area low all summer. It looks like USAir aims to keep up the competition, too: Fly Anchorage to Long Beach (ANC-LGB) in October for as little as $349 roundtrip.
- The weather should be nice in Phoenix during October. And United Airlines offers a $455 roundtrip flight from Anchorage. Plan it right and you might catch the USAir Anchorage-Phoenix (ANC-PHX) nonstop flight (although you must purchase the low rate from United).
Mileage run
Rack up almost 10,000 miles, good for use with your Delta Airlines or Alaska Airlines mileage plans, with a mileage-run opportunity from Anchorage to San Juan, Puerto Rico (ANC-SJU) aboard Delta. How much? Try roundtrip airfare for $564, coach, or fly first class for just $863.
In-state Alaska airfare deals with legs
Alaska pulled a double-header this week. Here is another bundle of bargains valid for travel through Dec. 12, 2012. These deals must be purchased no later than Monday, Aug. 27:
Anchorage-Fairbanks: $198 roundtrip
Anchorage-Cordova: $198 roundtrip
Anchorage-Yakutat: $248 roundtrip
Anchorage-Juneau: $258 roundtrip
Anchorage-Nome/Kotzebue: $320 roundtrip
Anchorage-Bethel: $312 roundtrip
Alaska Airlines airfare deals to Lower 48
These fares also are valid for travel through Dec. 12, 2012 and must be purchased no later than Monday, Aug. 27:
Fly Anchorage to St. Louis roundtrip for $448
Fly Anchorage to Las Vegas roundtrip for $459
Fly Fairbanks to Las Vegas one-way for $279
Fly Fairbanks to Portland, Ore. one-way for $289
Fly Fairbanks to Phoenix one-way for $299
Fly Fairbanks to Seattle one-way for $269
Fly Juneau to Seattle one way for $199
Fly Juneau to Las Vegas one-way for $229
Fly Juneau to Palm Springs, Calif. one-way for $229
Fly Juneau to Tuscon, Ariz. one-way for $239
Western Alaska specials
Finally, don't forget about these western Alaska specials from PenAir:
Anchorage-Aniak on Thursdays and Saturdays: $258 roundtrip
Anchorage-Unalakleet on Thursdays and Saturdays: $258 roundtrip
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com. And follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/alaskatravelgrm for breaking updates.