Amazing dirt cheap deals on nonstop flights on new routes from Austin, Texas, to Monterrey and Cancun, Mexico

Actually, it's a bit of all of the above: basic bus service on wings that hopefully won't start flapping too much. It's VivaAerobus, so it is alive in some way, maybe even airy and vivacious, but most importantly—drumroll, please—it's free! Before taxes, that is, as you rightly guessed (hey, we know you're not that easily fooled). Including everything except checked luggage, the total fare on the new nonstop Austin to Monterrey route comes to $160. Not exactly free, but definitely cheap, and since it's all taxes at least you know it's for a really good cause and will be wisely spent.

Bringing more than a carry-on will add $20 to the cost of the trip, which means you'll essentially be traveling as a free companion to your fancy fake Louis Vuitton steamer trunk that may be big enough for a stowaway but luckily doesn't have to be used for that purpose anymore. All told, it's almost $300 less than competing connecting service for summer travel and it sure beats trying to outrun the border patrol. Similar deals with similar savings are available to Cancun for just under $200 and connections are possible through the Monterrey hub to 20 other Mexican destinations, many of those also free before taxes.

VivaAerobus is the aviation venture of Mexco's biggest bus company, IAMSA. While it may be a relative latecomer to the new breed of booming bottom-feeding, bargain-basement, bare-bones airlines south of the border, it has first-mover advantage in the American market and comes with serious backing from notoriously cheap-thrills, no-frills Ryanair. Additional free routes are planned from Austin to Guadalajara, Leon, Puebla, and Queretaro, while another hub in Gary, Indiana, is rumored to be in the works. Go, cowboys! Go, hoosiers! Go free, everybody!

Unadvertised airfare sales with cheap codeshare flights and great deals to London Heathrow and Gatwick.

This is not where we tell you about a sudden shortage of healthy sprouts in the English diet, because depending on who you ask this predicament is either famously chronic, spanning centuries of bad cooking, or an equally famous myth that no longer holds true, thanks to the likes of Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey and other Brit champions of naturally naked, nearly raw vegetables.

What we do have for you is a whole batch of freshly picked, crisp London fares for late summer and early fall travel, a mostly motley medley of curious codeshare deals on virtual airlines, and that's quite a mouthful!

The low price leader is Brussels Airlines offering 2-stop connections through — you guessed it — Brussels, but don't let the fact that this newly invigorated European carrier doesn't ever cross the Atlantic throw you, because in most cases you won't set foot on even one of their aircraft during the 6 legs of the trip, but will instead be carried on a combination of American Airlines and British Airways flights.

From some cities a few bucks extra buys you a better connection, sometimes even non-stop service, on BMI British Midland, which again doesn't actually ply any of these routes, but simply lends its rather unfamiliar name to United Airlines and partners.

Why these deals are served up this way we can't really tell you, but you should do fine as long as you ignore the brand names and marketing ploys and just focus on the cost and total travel time when shopping around, keeping in mind that once you add the dressing they all taste more or less the same.

Unadvertised United summer and fall airfare sale with cheap flights and great deals to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We can't guarantee that Santa Claus comes early in the Southern Hemisphere, but it's definitely coming on winter down there in the big EZE. Still, the mild climate and "good airs" of Buenos Aires should be as easy on your wardrobe as the exchange rate could be on your wallet, and that's a gift in itself during these diminished-dollar days, not to mention a great opportunity to get a very early start on your Christmas shopping.

So if you're sick of summer already and need to cool off a bit, or if you blinked and missed out on the 30 seconds of spring we had this year, here's your chance to crank up that spring fever again for a little "May in September" romance with a cheap Springtime in Paris of the South twist. Fares start at a low $640 round-trip with taxes and, with some notable exceptions, jump around the middle of August. You can see the whole long wish list here, but just bring us back something nice.

Catch Continental's unadvertised summer airfare sale with cheap flights and great deals to Cologne, Germany.

Updated June 17 (see below)

No, no, we're not asking you to stop using cologne. Or deodorant, after-shave, toilet water, eau de somesuch and whatever other fancy tricks you've got in your toilet bag and hide up your sleeves to get you through the dog days of summer without smelling like a... well, like a wet dog. Your cover-up may strike some as a bit heavy-handed and a French shower really is no substitute for one that actually involves water, but it sure beats the alternative and is much appreciated, truly.

Rather than lecture you on personal hygiene, we're actually here to tell you a breaking "good news, bad news" kind of story, and in true New York tabloid style, we'll insult you first, then sock you with the bad news and finally pick you up with a teaser at the end. All right, let's get to the point already!

Continental's recent announcement that they will stop flying to Cologne, Germany, by Labor Day after little over 2 years of service marks the end of what was consistently one of the least expensive—and probably least profitable—routes to continental Europe. Remember those $230 roundtrip fares with taxes back in the winter of 2007 when the route was young and oil was cheap? Well, you just hold on to that memory because it'll be something to tell your grandkids about.

It also proves yet again that when it comes to air travel these days, what's good for the goose (that would be you, the flying public, freshly showered and nicely perfumed) often isn't so good for the gander (in this case a chastened Continental), even though in this sorry story the lucky golden goose still gets cooked in the end, because we'll all probably be paying more to get to Germany soon.

The closure of this route adds at least another couple of nails in the coffin of transatlantic competition and at this rate, the whole hard-won Open Skies caboodle that after years of negotiation was meant to herald a surge in traffic and bargains galore seems headed for an early funeral, a fast victim of OPEC and circumstance.

Until that doleful day, one little piece of good news is that Continental is doing what few dare to do these days and having an old-fashioned fire sale to fill seats for the remainder of the season. For peak summer travel, non-stop fares from Newark are just over $800, although unfortunately the even better August fares that we've been showing you for over a month seem to have suddenly disappeared overnight and gone the way of most good deals, that is into the eternal night.

Do balled-up socks fit best in your underarms, or should you just do the whole swallow-it-in-a-balloon trick like you saw on Cops? Well, you may soon be inclined to find out, gentle traveler. Both United and US Airways have announced plans to charge $15 for first checked bags. And really, the only thing shocking here is that it took them so long to catch up with American Airlines, who set the trend for $15 1st-bag charges last month.

We imagine this will have nightmarish affects on TSA checkpoints (where liquids and gels were never fully mastered), as passengers attempt to dodge new fees with stuffed-to-capacity carry-ons. Then there's the little matter of collecting payment for checking bags, which --even with the option to pay online-- is bound to make checking-in a tad longer.

For United passengers, the new rule applies to all tickets purchased (starting today) for travel on or after August 18, and for US Airways tickets on or after July 9.

Also on the climb, United's fee for 3 or more checked bags has increased from $100 to $125, and oversized/heavy items from $200 to $250.

However, the rules are different if you're an elite level frequent flyer, or flying in first class.

No more free soda

US Airways will start charging $2 for non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and juice, in August. Probably the days of free drinks in economy class are numbered.

*Update: Budget Travel has posted an interview with American Airlines VP Mark DuPont in which he tackles the $15 bag fee, and what passengers can expect when checking in from here on out.

Summer is practically upon us!  Ahh... nice warm (or downright hot) weather, summer BBQ's , family get-togethers, vacations...

Speaking of vacations, we thought we might give you a little fair warning.

During our extensive daily searches of 1000's of airline fares, we discovered that in a high percentage of cases, flights were sold out from the beginning of July (usually after The 4th of July Holiday weekend ) through most of August.

Airfarewatchdog does usually indicate in the fare rules whether this is the case, however we thought we'd just give you an extra heads up. We found this with many US domestic flights across the board and some international flights as well... Apparently some people do make their summer travel plans in advance.

While you might still be able to get that awesome $99 roundtrip fare to Florida that you can brag to all of your family about at the annual family cookout, during the brunt of the summer travel season you may have to hunt around  for it.For example we found nonstop flights  from Baltimore (BWI) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) leaving July 8 and returning the 15th for only $151 r/t ! So fear not, with a nice amount of determination you can see Mickey in the middle of July.

Bon voyage!

Last call for unadvertised Air India summer and autumn airfare sales with cheap flights and great deals to London, England; Paris, France; Delhi, India; and Mumbai (Bombay), India.

If you've been snoozing past the great Air India summer fares from New York to London and Paris, better sit up right now and take notice because there are still a few seats left. At several hundred dollars off the going rate, they're going fast and so should you! These are some of the best bargains to Europe this side of the Atlantic, so even if you're nowhere near New York, don't just sit there, get yourself over here to make your connection! Be aware that a cheap Paris date can be tricky to find at this point, but gets easier as fares fall into fall (see London and Paris fall fares).

On a different, but somewhat related, note, Air India also has some good deals for late summer travel to India, nonstop to Delhi and Mumbai for under $1,000. Check them out!

It's not often that we see discounts on flights to Europe during the peak summer travel season, but we just discovered a great deal from American Airlines to Dublin, Ireland for travel through October 30th.

American is offering 30%* off all coach fares (one-way or roundtrip) with a minimum base fare of $200.  This offer is valid for travel between July 1, 2008 and October 30, 2008.

You must book book your reservations by June 13, 2008 using the promo code DFDUBH08 at the AA.com website.

*Please note that the 30% discount is taken off the base fare.  The actual discount amount will vary based on taxes and fees on the particular flight(s) you choose.

            If you're ready to never fly again, well, you're not alone. There's 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! OMG, will we ever fly again? 
            Please.
            Okay, 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.
            Here, 10 awesome summer airfares. Get 'em while they exist. And speaking of existing, they were accurate as of Friday, June 6, but could be history by the time you read this. But in general, either because they’re 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, these destinations are, in general, bargains compared to others 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/fauna! yoga! surfing! eco-lodges!).
            The deal: American is selling fares to San Jose (CR, that is) for as little as $69 OW from Fort Lauderdale, good for travel through Oct. 30. Book by 6/9. After that, the fare goes up, though we're seeing lots in the $300 RT range for later this summer; not bad a'tall (aa.com).

            2) MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST
            Best known as 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 sring of sandy beaches and one of the country's best casino resorts, the Beau Rivage (an early-Steve Wynn special).
            The deal: $109 OW sale on US Airways from New York (LGA), Las Vegas, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC -- midweek and Saturday travel, through Nov. 12 (usairways.com).

            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 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 RT right now (united.com). Also in August, American is showing up at $237 RT from Chicago-O'Hare (aa.com).   Plus, once you get here, 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 & 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 (jetblue.com). Similar fares from Boston and connecting fares from other cities.

            5) DENVER
            It's mid-July. Time to swap the sweaty lowlands for the crisp air and blue skies of the Rocky Mountains, and 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 RT from Chicago-O'Hare on United for as little as $215 for July, mid-week travel (united.com). In August, American can do a lot better than that -- $151 RT, also mid-week, based on availability. Of course, at that price, don't count on a whole lot of availability (aa.com).  Thanks to Southwest Airlines’ expansion at Denver International, we expect this destination to remain a bargain. Also, several airlines have had rather amazing deals.

            6) ORLANDO
            Don't let rising prices take the Mickey out of your summer -- it's relatively easy to find a good fare to this massively popular destination. It's summer, so make sure to slot in plenty of time under the trees -- say, at Disney's leafy Animal Kingdom -- or in one of the many water parks, the newest of which is Sea World's showy Aquatica.
            The deal: $64 OW on Southwest from Philadelphia, restrictions apply but the fare hangs around, based on availability, through Oct. 30 (southwest.com) 

            7) AUSTIN
            The most progressive little city in Texas is a must-stop for music and beer, but if you're lucky enough to get down here, don't limit yourself to the city alone, which is at the heart of a region filled with fascinating -- and tasty diversions. Top spas, great barbecue and award-winning wines from one of the many Hill Country vineyards make this the perfect weekend for any connoisseur of the finer things.
            The deal: Southwest starts at $79 OW from Los Angeles, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland and Philadelphia, restrictions apply, based on availability, through Oct. 30 (southwest.com).

            8) SEATTLE
            t's a secret, but it's a fact: Seattle does have sun. Sometimes. Visitors might almost feel gypped — it's possible to come here on a short visit and not experience any rain at all. That's all the better for getting out there and exploring the city's dynamic neighborhoods or renting a kayak and paddling around Lake Union to pick out the houseboat in which you'd like to live some day.
            The deal: New service on Virgin America means introductory fares -- just $99 OW from San Francisco and $154 OW from Los Angeles, based on availability (virginamerica.com).  

    
            9) PORTLAND, ME
            Ever been to this charming city by the bay? (Casco, that is.) Explore the historic downtown with its impossibly charming side streets, browse the shops, try its excellent restaurants, but for heaven's sake, leave plenty of time for exploring the natural surroundings -- it's summer, it's Maine, why not? Hop on board a Casco Bay ferry for the daily mail run -- the round-trip cost for the three hour tour, which visits various bay islands, is just $13.
           The deal: JetBlue has OW fares of $79 from Richmond, Virginia -- a savings of over $20 off their Richmond-Boston fare. There's a 7-day advance purchase clause and travel must be completed by July 30 (jetblue.com).

?            10) WISCONSIN
            Ah, the Northwoods -- we can smell the pines from down here. Or maybe you don't like the woods -- what about nearby Lake Superior, with its rugged/awesome coastline? No? Okay, takes all types. Luckily, you've got all sorts of options if you fly into Central Wisconsin Airport in Wausau, which is handily placed for just about anything America's Dairyland-related -- including the killer water park rides in the famous Wisconsin Dells region, just an hour or so drive from the airport.  
            The deal: New service on American to Wausau's Central Wisconsin Airport features a host of introductory fares -- the folks in Tampa can fly up north for as little as $186 RT. Purchase by June 24, travel by Aug. 1 (aa.com). And for whatever reason, Midwest Airlines seems to be in pretty good shape so far, and has launched a number of sales (which others have matched) into and out of Wisconsin lately.

OpenSkies launches new route from New York to Paris, but don't expect any cheap flights or great deals.

Possibly the worst kept secret in aviation history and the first airline to be planned by blog, OpenSkies by British Airways is now open for business and ready to fly you from New York to Paris Orly. Well, almost. Like an overly ambitious Chinese restaurant, they'll be happy to take your order for, say, sesame noodles, but they won't actually be able to deliver for another couple of weeks, by which time your noodles should be as cold as we hope you like them.

All similarities end here, unless you happen to think that high-class Chinese take-out is not an oxymoron. Sure, a ticket buys you some chow—and "healthy" airline food to boot, if you can believe that oxymoron—but dinner at this lofty joint definitely comes at a price. After a quick gander at their smart new web site you could be forgiven for thinking that this is just another business class-only airline, because all those "high value" concepts are really just a fancy way of saying "overpriced" and marketing-speak for "no bargains here."

All-business is allegedly all British Airways wanted all along, but after watching three such airlines—EOS, MAXjet and SilverJet—fail dramatically in as many months, they decided to play it safe with a very traditional three-tier class system. They got hip new names like prem+ and biz to make them sound fresh, except for economy which is apparently just too boring to rebrand and gets squeezed into less than a dozen rows in the far back, while the bulk of the aircraft is reserved for what is essentially a very large and very expensive first-class cabin.

Nice seat if you can get it, and you can get if you pay, to paraphrase the classic blues song. By pay, we mean something starting close to $4,000 for a round-trip ticket, which is enough to give our charge cards the blues and obviously caters more to the old disenfranchised Concorde crowd. There is a summer sale of sorts going on for premium economy at around $1,600, but the best coach fare we could find for July is over $1,300 or nearly double what Air India is currently charging. That's a lot of price padding for a little extra seat padding, and sesame noodles or no, we hear they serve a mean curry!

As for increased competition to keep fares in check, this venture doesn't hold a whole lot of water. Not only are transatlantic routes being hosed down and washed out by the week, this is after all British Airways by any other name, not an airline known for aggressive pricing. What's more, the sole remaining independent business class-only carrier, L'Avion, which serves Newark from Paris Orly, is actually in code-share cahoots with OpenSkies, so this is really nothing more than a run at Air France for the suits and of little consequence to the grubby unsuited rest of us. So much for the promise of Open Skies, the treaty!