I live in Cincinnati--a Delta hub. It is difficult to get good fares to France where we live for four months. It seems if you are not returning within 30 days you are peninalized. They get their money so what is their problem and what can be done? We leave the end of January. Thanks.

R.R.,

Thanks for your message. One of the hardest things to sort out is how the airlines figure out fare structures. It makes no sense to me why you get penalized for a trip exceeding 30 days. The best fares I've found are $676 on U.S. Airways and $858 on Delta. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to work around rules like this one. Perhaps you can use miles for one ticket and purchase the other. At least that way one of you will continue to build loyalty with your airline. Alternatively, you might try to route the overseas portion of your trip through JFK or Atlanta. It won't be a direct flight but it might save you money.

Good luck.

Joel