Thanks so much for your replies! I knew I could count on this forum. I'll definitely heed the advice of checking everyday and to get farewatchers going. I am taking sick pleasure in trying all kinds of routes to get to Paris - through Brussels, Dublin, London, Amsterdam, and the east coast US cities too (Boston, DC, all the NYC airports) but will also try Philly and Pitt.<BR><BR>Thanks again.

I fly out of DC to Paris every year or two, often in July, and I've never found any great bargain fare in peak season -- especially in the last couple of years. I am picky, however, because I hate flying, and I won't do elaborate routings with a lot of stops or going to Iceland, backtracking, etc. (which usually only save a couple hundred dollars RT). That's higher than from DC in peak season by $300-400 on standard airlines, but I wouldn't expect fares of $600 from DC in peak season--add on fares to/from these cities to Tampa and I don't see big savings myself. I think you could wait a few months, though. I'd think you might do better out of Atlanta--isn't that a Delta/AF departure point?

Jen: Just skimming the answers you've been given; would it be totally ridiculous to suggest flying from Toronto. My son and I are going to France next June and I've already been quoted a price on Air Transat of about $900 for coach and $1330 for Club Transat. That includes all taxes. Change that to $US and you would save some money.

Thanks for all of the help. I was checking out travelocity site (AGAIN!) and saw their student travel section and found my tickets. I figured that since I was a graduate student that I would not qualify but I do and found roundtrip TPA-CDG for $702.00. You can debate whether or not this is a good price but I was happy with it = the right dates, the right times, and I have some peace of mind. <BR><BR>Again, thanks so much for your help.

Good for you, Jen! I think that's a great fare for that time of year; have fun!

No question that it's a good buy for those dates, Jen. Good job and Happy contrails!

I 've used frequent flyer miles to both Newark and DC. First, I stayed there a few days for a visit with family. Then, got a flight to Paris. Both times, I bought in Jan. and seemed that the fare was around $600. After many years of following flight prices, I have noticed that unless there is an unusual fare sale, prices are the lowest between Jan and Feb. And that they do not go lower for the prime time summer season.<BR>Also, right now, United has 15,000 miles for signing up for a credit card. If you already have one, sign up for another, if possible. You can sign up with Sprint long distance and get another 6,000 miles. You almost have enough for a domestic flight right there.

i went to paris last july and i payed $740.00 per ticket. and we booked 2 weeks before we went. You will find that there are a lot of last minute flights to paris. good luck.