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Airfare wars make travel cheap photo by Jim Craven Less expensive flights usually start the first of the year By Shari Downhill Getting cheap airfare is a case of being in the right place at the right time. Travelers with an eye on economy can shop smart by waiting for airfare wars. Carrousel Travel consultant Dennis McConnell said he anticipates that airlines will soon begin slicing fares to attract post-holiday travelers. "We usually see a $198 round-trip fare out of Portland to just about anywhere in the continental U.S.," McConnell said. "We also usually see round-trip fare to Europe for $500 or less. Right after the first of the year (airfare wars) usually start," he said. Savvy travelers call their favorite travel agents and put in requests early. Those with flexible plans stand the best chance of getting a good deal. Travel requests are kept by travel agents in computerized information banks. When fare wars hit the market, agents review travel requests. "Airlines never announce what they�re going to have going on," McConnell said. "When we get good fare wars, we send an e-mail or letter." Travelers likely will find flying out of Medford on Saturdays and into Medford on Tuesdays the least expensive, McConnell said. Holidays are also relatively cheap, he added, including Christmas Day, New Year�s Day and Easter. Travelers who make arrangements seven, 14 or 21 days in advance usually will get a price break, as will travelers willing to make numerous stopovers. McConnell honed his skill orchestrating travel arrangements for others while serving in the military in Brazil. He purchased Carrousel Travel in White City four years ago, and now leads tours through the country he has grown to know so well. "What people need to realize is that (low airfare) usually always has restrictions," he said. Reach reporter Shari Downhill at 776-4463, or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.