2020 Archive
Travel Bargains
I have written about travel bargains for as long as I've written about business travel, which dates back to (yikes!) 1983. Nobody pays their way onto these pages. I post deals solely for the benefit of members based on my perception of what is a great price, a terrific value or a unique opportunity. Unless otherwise stated, you should be able to book these deals online, at any travel agency or directly from the travel supplier. And please do not suspend your inbred skepticism. Don’t blame me if these deals are sold out when you try to book at these prices, but do let me know if you think that we're being scammed. It's important to expose the fakers and phonies.

DECEMBER 10, 2020
We halted the Deals page in March when travel began to grind to a halt. We're reviving it now, slowly and carefully, because there are astonishing discounts and offers to consider. How we'll proceed and what's on offer this week.

MARCH 5, 2020
Finnair drops business class fares to Eastern Europe below $1,700 roundtrip. Alaska Airlines flash sale revives $99 coast-to-coast tickets and $99 fares to Hawaii. As much as 30 percent off from NH Hotels, if you prepay. A wan spring promotion from Marriott Bonvoy. And more.

FEBRUARY 27, 2020
You may be surprised that you're not seeing more discounts now that travel has been impacted by the Coronavirus. Deals are out there, but you must search and approach your bargain-hunting tactically. Here are some of the deals I've seen this week.

FEBRUARY 20, 2020
Want to fly to Europe for less? Try France, where there are bargains in all classes. Amtrak offers $90 roundtrip trains between New York and Montreal. Omni promotes 20-25 percent AAA discounts. TAP Air Portugal extends five-day free stopovers.

FEBRUARY 13, 2020
As hotels face the slowest weeks of the year, the major chains try to goose occupancy with bonus points, free nights and cash discounts.

FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Want a deal on a Europe trip later this year? Name your own price. Exclusively for members, Aer Lingus has revived its name-your-own-price offer for travel in March, April and May. You pick the routes, dates, class of service--and the price. Best deal ever. Literally.

JANUARY 30, 2020
InterContinental and Best Western offer gigantic credit cards acquisition bonuses. BA renews its discount offer via AARP. A "cozy" Chicago package in February. Qatar Airways stay-on-the-way program. And more.

JANUARY 16, 2020
Air New Zealand launches giveaway fares on its Los Angeles-London route. Free Abu Dhabi stayovers from Etihad Airlines. Winter promotions from Hyatt and Radisson hotels. And more.

JANUARY 9, 2020
Three separate Chase cards will get you more than halfway to a Southwest Companion Pass. Finnair slashes winter business class fares. Air France deals on premium economy. Amtrak says train now, travel free later. Hilton offers lots more of those sweet, sweet, low-value Honors points.