#1 rule: domestic ticket shouldn't exceed $250 rt #2 try to accumulate to one mileage account, then you may get upgrade and free bags etc benefit 1. subscribe all airline email promotion 2. DTW is hub of delta, pay close attention to delta promotion 3. delta miles sell cheap on fleamarket, use delta miles to pay for extremely expensive ticket 4. delta allows for 3 h standby or change ticket(this one $50) (3 h within the flight you want to take). You may book Sat and go on Friday 5. Other airlines run various promotions, e.g. AA has 17500 mile saver ticket occasionally.