10 sizzling summer airfare bargains

By David Landsel

updated 2:06 p.m. ET June 10, 2008

If you're ready never to fly again, well, you're not alone. First, there are fuel prices — through the roof. There's the economic slowdown — can we really afford to go anywhere this year? And also, just for fun — another round of demoralizing cutbacks and new, crazy fees!

It's true, many routes are punishingly expensive this summer, suffering from a triple-whammy of higher costs, service cutbacks and higher traffic. But that doesn't mean that you have to resort to one of those "staycations" (shiver) that our respective hometowns are busily marketing. (Oh look, honey! I commute past this every day! Take a picture!)

In the interest of public service, we hit the mute button on the seemingly never-ending string of experts preaching doom and gloom, just long enough to be able to focus on the task at hand: searching for bargains.

Below are 10 awesome summer airfares culled by Airfarewatchdog.com's team of fare analysts. You also can scan a list of hand-picked low fares from your city on Airfarewatchdog.com.

So get 'em while they exist. (And speaking of existing, they were accurate as of Friday, June 6, so act fast). However, in general, either because these destinations are served by more than one low cost airline (AirTran, Southwest, Allegiant — you know the ones), or because it’s off-season for some of them, flights to these places are, in general, bargains compared to other destinations you might be considering.

1. Costa Rica
Why pay $700 for another weekend flight to Las Vegas when you could be relaxing in this affordable paradise that's got plenty of summertime appeal. Mountains, exotic flora and fauna, sunshine, rainforests, volcanoes, yoga, surfing, fabulous beaches, and eco-lodges are just some of Costa Rica's many attractions.

The deal: American is selling fares to Costa Rica's capital San Jose for as little as $69 one-way from Fort Lauderdale, good for travel through Oct. 30. After June 9, the fare goes up, though we're seeing lots in the $300 round-trip range for later this summer; not bad at all.

2. Mississippi Gulf Coast
Best known as the area where New Orleans residents went to breathe free during the hot, disease-ridden, pre-air-conditioning summers, this quirky region was famously ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, but is in overdrive rebuilding. An easy drive out of the French Quarter itself, you'll find charming villages such as artsy-craftsy Ocean Springs, a ring of sandy beaches and one of the country's best casino resorts, the Beau Rivage (an early-Steve Wynn special).

The deal: $109 one-way sale on US Airways from New York LaGuardia, Las Vegas, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for midweek and Saturday travel, through Nov. 12.

3. Phoenix
The Valley of the Sun in summertime should change its name to the Valley of Too Much Sun. (It might also consider changing its name permanently to Valley of Too Much Traffic, but that's not for here.) Whatever — savvy travelers know that this is the time of year for killer deals at the region's top luxury hotels and spas. To illustrate: $149 midweek at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, through Sept. 6. (Yes, please!)

The deal: The cost of a non-stop to Phoenix tends to plummet during the summer months, and while it's not looking quite so wide open this year thanks to high fuel costs, August fares on United from Los Angeles are running about $149 round-trip. Also in August, American is showing up at $237 round-trip from Chicago O'Hare. Plus, once you get there, even luxury hotels are dirt cheap.

4. Buffalo/Niagara
What's the new definition of a must-see? When you can fly there for less than it would cost to drive. Luckily, Buffalo's no bore — particularly not in the busy summer months. A few of our favorite things: the annual garden tours, the region's striking architectural heritage (see: Frank Lloyd Wright; a rich arts and crafts legacy in East Aurora), not to mention the twin summer cultural extravaganzas on either side of the Niagara River — Lewiston's Artpark and Niagara-on-the-Lake's Shaw Festival. Did we mention the amazing summer wines?

The deal: fares of $79 each way from New York JFK on JetBlue, based on advance purchase, with similar fares from Boston and connecting fares from other cities.

5. Denver

Deal of the Day Newfoundland and Labrador Explore World Heritage sites, glimpse into the life of the Vikings, more, from $1,635.

In mid-July, it's time to swap the sweaty lowlands for the crisp air and blue skies of the Rocky Mountains. Happily, it's not too difficult to find a deal to the region's primary gateway, even if when you land you feel like you have been diverted to Kansas (that's because the Denver Airport is so far east, some would say it is almost Kansas.) Hop in a car, however, and you can be in Boulder or Estes Park in short order. Estes Park is certainly not going to be confused with the Midwest any time soon.

The deal: Fly round-trip from Chicago O'Hare on United for as little as $215 for July, mid-week travel. In August, American can do a lot better than that — $151 round-trip, also mid-week, based on availability. Of course, at that price, don't count on a whole lot of availability. Thanks to Southwest Airlines’ expansion at Denver International, we expect this destination to remain a bargain. Also, several airlines have had amazing deals recently.

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