Experts: Plan summer vacations now

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Spring Break is just about to start for many of you, but that means summer vacation is just around the corner.

If you're looking for the best deals on air travel, you might want to start planning your summer getaway now.

Just like you, airlines are feeling the economic crunch too. They've grounded some planes, cut routes, cut capacity, and moved to smaller planes and because of those things summer fares are headed up. Experts say, to get the best fares, start tracking your options now. Sign up for those airfare alerts, Google , Bing , and Yapta are just a few free websites that e-mail you when the price of your flight drops. Very handy.

If you're thinking about using frequent flier miles for a freebie ticket or upgrade, read the latest rules on your airline's website. Like baggage fees, new charges have popped up in many airline loyalty programs, costing you money to use those rewards. There's really no such thing as a completely free frequent flier ticket.

Those extra fees and co pays can creep up as travel dates get closer another reason to book that summer getaway early.