Sally30

I just found out that I have an opportunity to visit a friend in Italy sometime in the next four weeks. I am flexible about the dates when I can travel (weekdays are fine) but I need to go in October and so that means I will definitely be buying the ticket less than 21 days in advance and maybe closer to 14 days. I am leaving from Boston and Venice would be the closest airport but I could go to Milan and take the train too.

Any suggestions as to where I could find a cheap last minute flight? I don't need hotel accomodations or a car. I am hoping for something for less than $500, which is the price I found checking Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Sidestep and calling a consolidator (Fly Europe). I don't think it makes sense to leave from an airport other than Boston as I'll spend any difference in airfare on train or parking at a more distant US airport, although I am willing to be pursuaded that i'm wrong about that.

Any advice as to other consolidators, websites, flying in/out different airports, plane/train combinations or anything else you can think of would be great appreciated!!

CarrieK

Try qixo.com, 1800flyeurope.com, hotwire.com and itasoftware.com. Priceline might be very good since you are flexible. You can look up on biddingfortravel.com to see if anyone has bid for those locations and see what price they paid. Good luck!!

ira

Hi Sally,

http://airtravelcenter.com/onetrav.htm has Bos/Venice in late Oct for $455.

Sally30

Thanks for the responses. Ira, please help in using the air travel center website! I can't figure out how to get that $455 fare.

TopMan

Lufthansa and United have a special deal right now for an additional 15% off flights to Europe through October..check that out on Orbitz

TopMan

Here's the info:

United Airlines and Lufthansa are offering up to 15% off your next flight to Europe, Africa or the Middle East! As an added bonus this coupon can be used for you and up to 8 guests!

Select a flight for travel between October 6, 2004 and February 15, 2005
Sign-in and you will see an orange arrow letting you know your flights are eligible and your coupon has been applied
Book by October 31, 2004

islandbeachangel

Hi - I heard Alitalia is having a sale -- their rates from Newark Airport (NJ) to anywhere in Italy are $339 roundtrip if the ticket is purchased before 10/28/04. Fares are on-line only. www.alitalia.com. Not sure what the rates are from Boston, but I'd do a 4 hour road trip for that airfare!

I think you need to use the ticket before the end of March which shouldn't be a problem for you. Unfortunately I can't take advantage of it since I'm going next Fall.

Good luck!!

ira

Hi Sally,

Alitalia is offering Boston/Milan for $343 if you can leave after 10/28

http://www.alitaliausa.com/specials/economy_fares.asp

ira

OOOPS,

Didn't read all the fine print. Add $82 for taxes.

The cheap Boston/Venice flight at OneTrav is gone.