Our Travel-Expert-in-Residence, Rudy Maxa, calls in from the Villa d'Este, in northern Italy, with great deals from British Airways.

This week, British Airways launched an airfare sale that will allow you to head Rudy's way between mid-October, and the end of March, at significant savings.

How significant?

Well, as usual, the cheapest route is between New York and London, or New York and other major European cities. But the fares are good from any of BA's 20 gateway cities in the US, including Los Angeles. The cheapest is Newark or New York to London, which is $278, before taxes. The taxes will add another $85 or so to the total.

You can also do New York to Paris for $386, or to Rome or Istanbul for $486.

And it's only $398 between London and either LA or Miami. If you want to upgrade to BA's more roomy coach section, called "World Traveler Plus," you can do so for an additional $250 each way across the ocean.

The fine print?

You have to buy your ticket 7 days in advance of travel and stay over at least one Saturday night. The prices are for mid-week travel -- add another $25 each way for weekends. Here's one of the most important footnotes: You must buy your ticket before Sept. 30th.

You can expect other airlines serving the same routes to match British Airways' fares.

Savvy Resources: British Airways - US Special Offers http://www.britishairways.com/bond/