If you're like many Americans, the cost of airfare is the single biggest obstacle between you and the vacation you know you need. It's no secret that searching for the best airline deal can be time-consuming, not to mention exhausting. That's why we went out and did the dirty work for you. We contacted some of our favorite airlines to see what deals and discounts they were serving up for fall, and culled through them to find some of the best bargains out there right now. Thinking about a warm-weather getaway this winter? If you book by November 12th on United Airways you can get to Orlando from Washington D.C. for less than $122 roundtrip. Prefer a trip to Europe? Check out the deal Delta is running to London for less than $650 roundtrip. Keep reading for more details on these and other flights.
Orlando, FL from $61 one-way on United Airways
Book by: November 12th
Orlando isn’t just for kids. The city's nightlife, shopping, and theme parks are as popular with adults as they are with the under-10 set.. Perhaps motivated by all of the airfare wars, United Airways is offering a fantastic $61 one-way rate from D.C. for those who book by November 12th (check the website for deals from other U.S. cities). The only catch is that you must travel between November 19th and January 4, 2010.
Plan your trip to coincide with the first two weeks of December and you’ll not only dodge the crowds, also you’ll reap the rewards of Florida’s beautiful post-hurricane-season weather.
London from $306 one-way on American Airlines
Book by: 3 days prior to travel (travel must be complete by April 27, 2010)
London is as youthful, urban, and cutting-edge as it is buttoned-up and regal. Visitors come from around the world for the museums, the historic sights, the shopping, and even, increasingly, for the food. American Airlines is making it easier to make the jump across the "pond" with its $306 one-way fare from Los Angeles (similar fares from other U.S. cities can be found on their website). If you travel between now and March you'll score off-season discounts at hotels, but you'll also encounter a cold, gray, and rainy atmosphere. The best time to take advantage of this deal is during London's shoulder season in early April, when hotel deals coincide with warmer weather and a greater chance of sunshine.
Nassau, Bahamas from $99 one-way on
AirTran
Book by: November 10th
Only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas island chain is one of the most popular Caribbean getaway spots for Americans. Nassau, which is located on New Providence Island, is the most populated area in the Bahamas and is where most of the resorts, casinos, restaurants, and nightclubs are located. If you're considering the Bahamas for your winter getaway, now is the time to book. AirTran starts its service to Nassau on December 17th and as long as you book by November 10th and plan to travel before February 10th you can take advantage of this great deal. Peak season lasts from December to April, so you'll be able to enjoy the island in full swing. Prices quoted are for travel from Washington D.C. Visit AirTrain's website for deals from other cities.
Kingston, Jamaica from $89 one-way on
JetBlue
Book by: November 4th
Jamaica is as well-known for its relaxed vibe and white-sand beaches as it is for reggae and rum. JetBlue recently introduced a new route from New York City to the Jamaican capital of Kingston and, in celebration, they're offering flights for $89 one way. Book by November 4th and plan to travel before December 9, 2009 in order to take advantage of this deal. Although the peak season in Jamaica begins toward the middle of December, if you take advantage of this deal to travel to the island earlier in the month you'll benefit from lower hotel rates and less crowded beaches.
U.S. Virgin Islands from $91 one-way on American
Book by: November 2, 2009
Beat the winter blues with a wallet-friendly trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. American Airlines, which flies to St. Thomas and St. Croix, is currently offering fares as low as $91 each way for travel between October 22nd and December 5th. To cash in on the biggest savings, depart for St. Thomas from Miami on an easy two and a half hour flight. Plan to travel near the end of November to bypass the wet season.
Dublin from $460 roundtrip on US Airways
Book by: 3 days prior to travel (travel must be complete by December 16, 2009)
Dublin is a popular travel destination and not only because it tends to be spectacularly affordable to reach from the U.S. It's also known for its breathtaking coastline, literary legacy, and, of course, fantastic pubs where the Guinness flows freely. US Airways is offering ROUNDTRIP airfare to the Irish city from $460 from D.C. or Boston ($478 from Chicago) as long as you book three days in advance and travel before December 16th. Just be sure to pack warm—things get chilly in Dublin during the winter.
Acapulco from $108 one-way on AeroMexico
Book by: November 9th
As “Queen of the Mexican Beach Resorts”, Acapulco is a destination worthy of any sun-seeker. Plan to pack your bags and book your ticket on AeroMexico, which is currently running a promotion for one-way flights as low as $108. Leave from Houston to maximize your savings and avoid the rain and humidity by booking your ticket during December, Acapulco's peak month.
Montreal from $200 one-way on AirCanada
Book by: November 8th
Montreal, one of the world’s largest French speaking cities, gives visitors an old world French vibe, without having to cross the Atlantic. Take advantage of AirCanada’s current deals, which start at $200 each way, and you’ll find yourself sipping coffee at a café so quaint, you’ll think you’re in Montmartre. Fly from Washington D.C. and plan to travel before December 16th to maximize your savings (check the website for prices on flights from other U.S. cities).
Aruba from $129 one-way on AirTran
Book by: November 10th
Aruba is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean. Every year winter-weary visitors flock to its pristine beaches to take advantage of the warm, turquoise water and laid-back vibe. It doesn't hurt that it's also close to the U.S. (flight times range from 2.5 hours from Miami to 4 hours from Atlanta and 4.5 hours from New York). Although the $129 one-way rate is quoted for Atlanta, AirTran is currently offering great deals to Aruba from cities across the U.S. including Baltimore ($169), Detroit ($169), and Milwaukee ($179)—check their website for rates from other cities. Note that AirTran's service to Aruba doesn't kick off until December 19th, just in time to take advantage of peak season and perfect weather on the island.
Paris from $362 one-way on Air Canada
Book by: 7 days prior to travel (travel dates: Oct 26-Dec 10; Jan 7-February, 21)
Paris tops the charts when it comes to romance, thanks to its winding, cobblestone streets, atmospheric cafes, and fantastic shopping and museums. Between now and February 21st you can travel to the city for just $362 each way from San Francisco (prices for other cities are available on Air Canada's website). It may be cold in the famous French city during the winter, but that means that you'll be able to take advantage of reduced hotel rates and minimal crowds at top attractions—plus, what could be more romantic than a Parisian getaway over Valentine's Day?