Yes, I have predicted — and continue to predict — that 2009 will be the year of the air travel deal.

But don’t think these deals will just be sitting around, waiting for you to pounce on them whenever it’s convenient for you. They won’t. Deals will be targeted to specific times of the year — and you will need to be, flexible.

Procrastinate in this environment at your own risk.

For example, look below at this incredible Presidents Day Weekend Ski Deal?– Miami to Telluride (yes, the “Ski Resort of the Stars”) — just $180 roundtrip, taxes included (Feb. 11 thru Feb. 15 on United). NOTE: If you depart on Feb. 12 instead of?Feb. 11, the price jumps to just under $400! So, as I said, you must be flexible.

I am personally looking for cheap flights to Durango for a bit of skiing at Purgatory, so I have signed up for our Farecompare.com email alerts just like everyone else.

The key to finding the best deals is — using technology, such as our email alerts — this way, you won’t have to hope you simply “stumble” upon a good deal.