This is an FYI/heads-up advisory for those of you who want to fly between San Francisco (SFO) and Washington DC (DCA), and vice versa.

I was more than pleasantly surprised today to snatch an airfare to the Kerry/Edwards inaugural for $142.40 roundtrip/all taxes and fees included on Northwest! ($94.88 air + $47.52 taxes). Bizarre! Even more bizarre is that every date I plugged in from July 2004 through May 2005, originating from either city came up around $140 roundtrip. A cursory check for similar fares between other West Coast/East Coast cities came out hundreds more -- it just seems to be that SFO to DCA (or DCA to SFO) have this exceptionally low fare.

Talking to an agent at NWA's reservation center, she said it was not a glitch but could not explain why the price is so low.

Think fast! He who hesitates loses!

I purchased on nwa.com but the prices were the same on orbitz, travelocity, expedia.

Great airfare. How does one get to the Kerry/Edwards Inagural? I know of someone who would "die" for this trip if it involved any affiliation with the campaign.

I meant I'm attending the inauguration, independent of the airfare, and found this price for transportation to the event.

Your friend should start schmoozing local party leaders now and write to his/her representatives in Congress and Senate to procure access to some ticketed events surrounding the inaugural (if that's what they want), although the official inaugural committee will not be formed until shortly after the election on November 2, and these tickets are very limited. I think congresspersons and senators are given around 350 tickets each for their entire constituents. Anyone can view the parade, attend widespread public events, take in the atmosphere of the gala simply by being there -- no special tickets required for those things. Just show up at the Capitol very early to stake a good spot.

Thank you so much. He's a senior in college and a poli-sci major. He's interning for an official here in the Bay Area. I know he is broke and loaded with school loans so I thought I may "treat" him. Maybe the flight and a few nights via Priceline. Thanks for responding so quickly.

keep this at top for folks to see, I plugged in many dates at nwa.com and fares really are 142.40 from DC to SF. not bad for a RT across the USA. I may go see a friend now in CA!

WAS is becoming the low airfare capital of the US.

I got tix to SF for the weekend of Aug 28!! 141.00 Thanks KS452!!!!

Yes, thank you KS452 and your other colleagues who work for Northwest Airlines..great advertising job!

It looks like those dirt cheap fares have blown away for now. Currently, $340.98 is showing for that route. Bluestructure, I'm glad you were able to get in on the deal. TopMan, I do not work for NWA, nor any airline, nor any field in the travel industry. Never have and doubt I ever will. Nice of you to toss your jaded comment into this thread though.