1. Use the ITA flight matrix search engine to quickly, accurately, and robustly to search numerous airlines at once: http://matrix.itasoftware.com/
2. Book your flights Friday AM before all routes to Dallas spike due to NDSU winning. You have 24 hours, risk free, to cancel. (I think you see the logic; you get in before the rush for those not this smart with no risk!) If, God forbid NDSU loses, just call whoever you booked through and cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Each airline is slightly different in how they do this; see http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/...ange-policies/
As for airfare to either Dallas airport:
1. Fargo looks expensive right now; cheapest I am seeing in depart Jan 3, return Jan 6 on United for $536.
2. Grand Forks is over $600.
3. Little bit cheaper out of Bismarck; I am seeing $485 on Frontier leaving Jan 3 return Jan. 6. (this fare does involve like an all day layover in Denver, over 12 hours, but it would actually be enough time to head into town if you wished)
4. Minot is similar price to Fargo; have to come back on Jan 7 on Untied for $534.
5. Minneapolis has by far the best fares. Believe it or not, Spirit you can get you there for $187 round trip Jan. 3 through 7. Just remember, they are like Allegiant and will charge you for everything and are famous for horrible customer service. best fare I see on a normal carrier is American for $390 for Jan. 3 through Jan 6.
6. Sioux Falls is over $500 at this point, so don't see a reason to visit me unless you want a direct flight. Personally, I'd rather connect than drive that far.
Tips on paying for airfare:
1. Make sure you use a credit card that give you at least 2X on your purchase. Best options are that airline's cobranded cards, Chase Sapphire Card, and Amex person Gold Membership rewards card (3X).
2. There are techniques in booking your flight to pick up even more points; carefully read this post: http://thepointsguy.com/2013/05/maxi...ooking-travel/
3. I will admit, this is one of the few time "flexible" points may be better than airline miles, however, you will need to use a bundle to book any of the prices above outside of the Spirit one. Best options would be Citi Thank you if you have a Premier card which are worth 1.25 cents each. You also can use Chase Ultimate Rewards this way (1.2 cents each if preferred card), just be careful it would not be better to transfer miles to a partner and book that way. (Like United or British airways)
Tips on paying for hotel:
1. Make sure you use a credit card that give you at least 2X on your purchase. Best options are that hotels cobranded cards, Chase Sapphire Card, Chase Ink card. Hilton Surpass, for example, pays 12X.
2. Check http://boardingarea.com/loyaltytraveler/ to see if you can get any bonus points on your stay.
3. There are techniques in booking your hotel to pick up even more points; carefully read this post: http://thepointsguy.com/2013/05/maxi...ooking-travel/
4. See if any hotels are still accepting points booking if you have enough, or you could use some other travel points you have most likely for 1 penny each; it may be worth it; just realize these may only be refundable for a fee, so hotel points bookings are better.
Tips on renal car
1. I use to love autoslash.com, but site was gutted.
2. Best luck I've had is hotwire or bidding on priceline. Also, if you log into your credit card site, I have found many stellar fares recently.
3. Don't worry about the toll thing; the rental companies handle that for you and bill you later.
Others, fee free to add on.