Flights aren't generally that expensive, no matter how much people complain that fares have increased. Perhaps you are requiring business class or a specific time. I travel extensively for my biz and frankly never pay anything close to the 1200 you quoted. Without knowing more information it would be hard to know if the rate you are talking about is a deal or not. AirTran, US Air, Continental, Delta and American all have RT flights available for less than 25% of the rate you initially quoted. That would be over a 75% savings. Travel is still a bargain when you consider how much it adds to your life.