If you'd like to head somewhere warm, now is a great time to fly. Airlines are offering online sales, but only for a limited time. Reporter Samantha Suttle explains how you can take advantage of some great deals.

Booking airfare can be a game -- it takes strategy, a competitive nature and a little luck too. And all three paired with a recession can get you a dream vacation for a winning price.

Flights are cheaper than ever right now, thanks to a number of online airfare sales. And it's creating a surge in business at some local travel agencies.

"Travel agencies don't operate now like they used to, but yes we have seen increased calls and business because of the better airfares," says TravelPlus Owner Phil Karpuk.

The reasons: this time of year airline travel is slower, the recession is affecting the industry and months of lower gas prices, according to Karpuk.

"The fuel's down so I think they have the ability to pass that savings on," says Karpuk.

If you know what carrier you want to fly, you can book it on their Web site directly, like at www.southwest.com. But if you just want to get away, you can go to a Web site like www.farecompare.com which will show you the cheapest price, no matter what airline.

"We'll give you a quote, we'll give you the option to search other sites if you'd like to, to compare the prices as well. We're all about helping people find a better deal and make a better decision when they buy their ticket, sorta like the Kelley Blue Book of airfare," says Rick Seaney, the CEOof FareCompare.com.

But travel experts say where you are going and what day you leave can affect whether you get the lowest price.

"Typically these sales, the bulk of them, the very cheapest prices are for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, departures on those days. If you leave on the other days of the week, typically you are going to pay anywhere from $20 to $60 more each direction," Seaney says.

Enticing travelers to spend money when the economy needs it the most.

Travel experts say the best time to fly or book a flight is Tuesday, the day airfare is the cheapest.

Visit Fare Compare at http://www.farecompare.com/.