Rick Seaney talks about Dallas Super Bowl prices today on WFAA’s Good Morning Texas.

I’m lucky. I live in greater Dallas. So I don’t have to spend a fortune on airfare to see the Super Bowl (and I don’t have to spend a fortune on tickets either, since I’ll be enjoying the game in the comfort of my home).

For those of you who are heading this way, welcome to Big D. And yes, if you’re a careful shopper and flexible on your travel dates, you can still find some relatively cheap flight deals to Dallas, but if not – time to get your wallets out.

I just looked at airfare prices again. And hotels. And cars. Not pretty (but there is some good news, at the very end).

Here’s what I found – and these prices were good as of Wed., Jan. 26 (though prices are bouncing around a bit):

For you Cheeseheads: 

• Flights from Milwaukee to Dallas: depart Feb. 4, return Feb. 7 – $845 roundtrip

For you Steeler fans:

• Flights from Pittsburgh to Dallas: same dates – $821 roundtrip

Fans from NY and LA:

Although it’s just about the same flight distance, there is quite a difference between roundtrip airfare from the two biggest cities on the East and West Coasts.

• New York – Dallas has been running about $750
• Los Angeles – Dallas, about $369

Well, it figures. LA has no dog in this fight, or any other – not since their last home team, the Raiders departed for Oakland back in ’94.

Now let’s talk about hotels.

Moderately priced hotels, even cheap hotels – aren’t cheap, or moderate – not during The Game anyway (again, I’m seeing price changes so what you see may be different since I last checked).

• $758 – 2 nights at the La Quinta in Euless, Texas (2/5 – 2/6) – microwave included!
• $1,209 - 3 nights (required) at a Super 8 in Arlington – room with one king bed.

And now, rental cars.

I checked with Hertz at DFW, and wouldn’t you know all the fun vehicles are sold out for Super Bowl weekend: no Cadillac Escalades, no Sebrings, no Mustang convertibles and most of the SUVs are gone. Okay, but there is a Chevy Aveo (or similar!) available for the weekend with no extras for $340.66.

Well, at least it’ll seem natural sitting in that little car, after your cramped airline seat.

Finally, a little good news on the bargain front: our local Minyard supermarket has a couple of specials: chicken drumsticks for just $.99 a pound and two giant bags of corn chips for $5. I guess you take your silver linings where you can find them.

Now excuse me, I’ve got to get to the store.