Virgin America, Spirit lead off Monday flash sales on airfares

With major airlines raising prices three times since the beginning of the year, shopping for bargain air fares will be more critical than ever. Flash sales feature limited dates but they do offer good savings for a quick getaway or weeklong vacation. Here are two sales that end tonight (Monday) from Virgin America and Spirit Airlines.

Virgin America: Cheapest fares for this sale are for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from Thursday to March 14. During that period, one-way prices from Los Angeles start at $69 to San Francisco, $89 to Seattle, $109 to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago, $119 to New York City andWashington, D.C.

Sale prices are higher but still discounted for travel March 15 through June 7. Read the fine print for restrictions by destination. Sale ends at 9:59 p.m. PST tonight (Monday). Contact: Virgin America, (877) 359-8474

Spirit Airlines: It’s always difficult to report about Spirit’s sale fares because of the number of fees this airline charges. That said, the airline is offering Red Light Specials that include flights on selected March dates from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for $111 each way.

I found availability at that rate leaving March 12 and returning March 19. But remember, carry-on and checked bags as well as some seat selections and more cost extra on Spirit. So check the extra fees before booking. Sale ends at 8:59 p.m. PST tonight (Monday). Contact: Spirit Airlines