Flying to Seattle on Saturday, 8/9, and returning on Monday, 8/18. Almost made the reservation on Southwest which appeared to be much cheaper than Alaska, until you got to the bottom line. Southwest was only $36 less than Alaska. And for $36 I’d rather fly non-stop on a 2-1/2 hour flight than having to stop in Sacramento and have the total flight take around 4 hours.

Got an unbelievable deal for the trip back East for Mickey’s wedding. I’m flying to Dayton and will then drive to North Carolina with Sally. Am flying on United non-stop to Chicago and then transferring to a flight to Dayton. Same thing coming back. I have to fly out of LAX, but the price was unbelievable…$248 round trip! That’s less than it’s costing me to go to Seattle! Will be leaving on Sunday, 8/31, and returning on Monday, 9/8.

Total cost for both flights = $590. Thanks to the federal tax rebate, both trips are basically free with $10 remaining to tip the baggage checkers at the curb.