Sweet Valentine’s Day deal: $599 round-trip from L.A. to Istanbul

Turkish Airlines is offering round-trip airfare from Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., to Istanbul during February for $599 per person. What’s the hitch? Two people have to fly together to get the low price, which doesn’t pose a problem for those who have a travel-ready companion.

The deal: The airline says prices are about 25% off the L.A.-Istanbul economy class airfare, but I think the discount is even deeper. On Turkish Airlines’ website, I looked at and found February round-trips priced at $880 and up. The $599 fare includes tax and fees. This could be one sweet deal for those who waited all summer for European airfares to come down (they didn’t) and who don’t mind going in winter.

When: The offer is good until Jan. 23 for travel Feb. 1-29.

Tested: To get this deal, you have to purchase your ticket through a travel agent or at a Turkish Airlines ticket office, which adds a $20 fee. I found the most reliable point of contact for information on this airfare was to call the airline’s local phone number (below). I also checked with an agent at Montrose Travel who confirmed the terms of the deal and that her agency is selling tickets. This is a very restricted fare -- no changes, refunds, etc. -- and both passengers must travel together on the same dates.

Contact: Turkish Airlines, (310) 640-8989