We are 2 females travelling to the US for the first time [have travelled mostly in South Africa, Nepal and Australia]. Spending 4 weeks travelling between Boston and LA [typical tourists!] Not sure whether to book flights from UK for internal flights or to book as we travel in US [looking for the cheapest option]. Internal flights likely to be NY-Nashville, Nashville-Vegas,Vegas-San Fran. Any advice welcomed. Many thanks in advance.

For airlines in the US the cheapest fares are typically sold at least 14 days in advance. The farther ahead that you buy the ticket the better your chance of finding a cheap ticket. (This is different from what I have heard of airlines in other parts of the world, where cheaper fares often are available right up to the flight time.)You may want to check websites like travelocity or expedia for your tickets - as airlines often have special prices that are only available on-line.

Enjoy your travels!

Hi, Marrianne,
It's hard to get cheap one-way fares, even if booking ahead. There are some carriers, such as Southwest, which penalize one less for non-advance non-return tickets than you'll find with the big carriers. However, you may find it difficult to get good fares from any given point to another without some running around.

I'd check with your long-haul airline to see how far into the US they can send you after your first stop (Boston?) on a through ticket with stops provided. Usually the long-haul fare with the intermediate stops added is still cheaper than domestic one-ways.

Have you thought about renting a car instead? With two of you it will probably be cheaper, and it will certainly permit you to see more of the country and get a better sense of the scale and diversity of the US. National Car Rental and others have programs with no one-way drop fees, so rent in Boston or wherever, and drop in SF. Just a thought.

Hi Marrianne,

I have heard that visitors from overseas that are not US citizens can apply for a special discount air travel coupons for travel within the US. Call the travel office of major US airlines (American, United, Continental, Delta, etc.) in your country and ask about this option. Please note this option can not be purchased once you are in the United States.

Sorry the details are vague but if this option is available still, you're bound to save alot of money.

Have a great trip!

Yes, Steven is correct. Some airlines call them Visit USA fares. As he said, they must be purchased outside the U.S., so check with your travel agent. This is definitely your best option considering your itinerary.

Hi,
Do talk to a travel agent in the UK about the air passes (or flight coupons).
Southwest Airlines has a little info on their website about their Freedom USA pass. (http://www.southwest.com/traveler_in...ernational.htm)
Other airlines have similar offers. (Some of them require that you purchase your international flight from them in order to qualify for their pass/coupon deals.) Do talk to a travel agent!

Southwest Air is reasonable about prices for one way flights. (Sometimes you can find a better deal elsewhere. Sometimes a return ticket ends up being cheaper than the one way ticket that you actually needed.)
By the way, I live in Nashville - so if you have other questions that I might can help with, feel free to email me.

Anyhthing close to $100 for NY to Nashville would be a great price for a one way flight. Vegas to San Fran probably won't be more than $100. Nashville to Vegas is likely to be close to $250.
You can always try naming your own price on www.priceline.com (or www.expedia.com or others)
Good luck!