ExploreTravelOnline

You all know that air fares are climbing as the economy recovers. I regularly see articles about how to save money on air, but they always turn out to be “fluff” with little solid advice. Over at SmarterTravel.com, though, Ed Perkins has posted an article that does what it claims – tells you how the airlines set prices and how that knowledge can save you money – a lot of money! Check it out at Airfare 201: Oh, the Games Airlines Play!.

• AirTran Airways blowout sale! One-Way flights starting from $44. Ends Aug. 24.
• Scandinavia and Europe on Sale! Fly SAS Round-Trip from $558+ from Scandinavian Airlines. Ends Aug. 30.
• Cross the Atlantic for Less! Round-Trip Flights to Europe from $560+ from Iberia. Ends 8/31.

“On the Spot Deals ” feature last minute deals that are good for 7 days or less. This week’s deals:

• Affordable Escapes to Asia: Fly Round-Trip from $575 on China Airlines! (Expires 12/31/09)

• 100 Hotels Under $100! Asia Hotel Stays for Less than a Benjamin!

• Welcome to the Hotel California Sale! Save up to 40%, Plus Get a Free Night or Upgrade!

• Alaska and Beyond Sale: Winter Adventures from $99 Each Way! (Expires 12/20/09)

• PRICE DROP: Hit the Slopes, Not Your Savings Account! Round-Trip Flights to Snowy Ski Spots from $114 on United! (Expires 12/18/09)

If you’re still thinking about a trip but have been held back by the air fare, check out these deals available from several airlines right now!

Korean Air is offering round-trip flights to Asia from $702 and 6-night vacation packages from $828. Some sample fares:

• Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX to Beijing, China: $955+ for flight, $1,140 for flight plus 6 nights hotel
• Honolulu, HI to Bangkok, Thailand: $702+ for flight, $865 for flight plus 6 nights hotel
• Los Angeles, CA to Hong Kong: $772+ for flight, $1,064 for flight plus 6 nights hotel

Click here for details.

Air France is offering savings of up to 30% off regular prices on flights from Toronto, Montreal or Ottawa to:

• France, from $799 including taxes and surcharges
• Italy, from $869
• Egypt, from $999

There is also a coupon code good for $50 off flights from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa to any destination in Europe: code CJPROMO532 Click here for details.

For Air France flights from US cities, click here!

Alaska Airlines is offering Autumn Adventures from $59 each way. Some sample fares:

• Reno/Tahoe, NV to Seattle, WA: $99+
• Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA: $119+
• San Jose, CA to Kelowna, BC: $149+

Click here for details.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is continuing to offer fares starting at $218 each way though 9/23. London in the fall has many draws – there’s no better time to explore the museums or enjoy a cup of tea! Or hop across the pond for London’s fall Fashion Week in late September.

British Airways has Round-Trip Flights to Europe from $380. Some sample fares:

• Atlanta, GA to Amsterdam, Netherlands: $555+
• Atlanta, GA to Rome, Italy: $578+
• Baltimore, MD to Frankfurt, Germany: $446+

Click here for details.

CheapOair offers some of the best air fares you’ll find online, in a very user-friendly Web site. Through September, you can save an additional $10 by using code AUTUMN10 at checkout.

For two weeks only (until August 26), Virgin Atlantic Airways is offering fares starting at $221 each way – for a taste of London in the summer time! Some sample fares:

• from Newark - $221, fly Sep 08, 2009 – Oct 25, 2009
• from New York (JFK) – $261, fly Sep 09, 2009 – Oct 25, 2009
• from Orlando - $306, fly Oct 06, 2009 – Oct 21, 2009
• from San Francisco – $346, fly Oct 07, 2009 – Oct 25, 2009
• from Washington DC – $309, fly Aug 20, 2009 – Oct 25, 2009