Economy Class: Ten Super Deals

Oct. 1 -- Travelers who value time (and sanity) might wish for simplicity in airline pricing. It would be nice, but it isn’t going to happen.

Is it all a plan to keep marketers fat and happy? Somewhat. These folks are the ones who create confusion and call it “deals.”

Why does the confusion exist? To make money. Travelers who don’t take the time to find and figure out the deals are doomed to pay more.

Here’s ten ways to beat them at their game — or at least to play their game and win.

Delta SkyMiles

Invest $59.95 and receive $600 on travel values. This offer is available to new members of Delta SkyMiles. After you enroll, your personalized Delta SkyMiles PlusPack offer (necessary to utilize this deal) will arrive by mail within eight weeks. Benefits include: 5,000 bonus miles, four one-way upgrades valid for travel within the 50 United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico (valid with Coach Y or B fares), and a discount of up to $75 on Delta, Delta Connection, Delta Express or Delta Shuttle. You also receive a space-available upgrade at participating Radisson Hotels & Resorts and an upgrade at a participating Inter-Continental Hotels and Resorts in North, Central and South America when you book at corporate rate or higher. Also included: added days and upgrades from four car rental companies, a magazine subscription and 2,000 bonus miles if you sign up for MCI residential long distance service.

Continental Deals

Receive a $99 Continental Airlines companion RT if you are in your first year of OnePass membership, or enroll as a new member. New and first-year members are entitled to purchase two packages, each including the companion certificate, valid for travel in the mainland U.S. and to Canada. The Executive Pack ($64.95) provides the certificate, 5,000 bonus miles, four one-segment space-available upgrades (use with any published fares), a one-class National rental car upgrade, two visits to Continental’s Presidents Clubs and 10 percent off refueling at Thrifty. The Prestige Pack ($99.95) provides the certificate, up to $100 off a separate RT, 7,500 bonus miles, six one-segment space-available upgrades, two Radisson upgrades, three free months (up to $75) of new MCI long distance service, six month’s membership in National’s Emerald Club, 10 percent off a Thrifty car rental, two visits to Continental’s Presidents Clubs and a three-month subscription to InsideFlyer. Call (713) 952-1630.