Special airfares less expensive than going out to dinner

Some airlines are holding flash sales for domestic and international flights this week that could make leaving town cheaper than a nice dinner out.

Southwest Airlines, for instance, is selling one-way nonstop flights to Turks and Caicos that start at $59 for travelers who book by June 8.

Spirit Airlines is selling domestic flights that start at $25 one-way for members of its “$9 fare club.” Other travelers can book fares starting at $50.

The Southwest deal marks a new route for the airline from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. The special rate is for certain travel dates between Nov. 5 and Jan. 7. Return flights to Fort Lauderdale from Turks and Caicos start at $135.

The Southwest fares include two checked bags. Flights are nonrefundable but people who cancel their reservations at least 10 minutes before departure can use the money for a future trip with Southwest.

Spirit is promoting flights on various routes that start at $25 or $50 for select travel dates in June, July and August for travelers who book by June 6. For example, travelers can land those fares to Myrtle Beach, S.C., from several departure cities, including Baltimore, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

The sale also applies to some flights between San Diego and Las Vegas and between New Orleans and Cleveland, along with other routes. Check the website for specific travel dates and restrictions. Travelers should note, though, that Spirit generally charges for checked baggage and other services. Fares may vary based on the date.

Some of these specials have limited availability, so you may need to act fast and then cancel the trip within a day if you can’t make it work. As we’ve mentioned before, airlines are required by federal law to let travelers cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking in exchange for a full refund.