Tips for getting a cheap flight

NEW YORK (CNN) - Looking for some good news in this dismal economy? How about dirt-cheap airfare?

The airlines are desperate for travelers, and you are benefitting. Ticket prices on the whole are down 30-40%, according to FareCompare.com .

So, what deals are to be had? Here's a list of some of the most discounted destinations in the U.S. These prices are for upcoming travel on various airlines.

You can find a ticket from Charlotte to San Francisco for $218. That's down 44% from a year ago.

From Phoenix to Orlando, you can get a ticket for $160. That's down 42% from a year ago.

There are international deals too. From Washington DC to Moscow, you can find tickets that are 54% off what they were last year. From Chicago to Dublin, those prices are down 59%. Even flights to Australia are getting cheaper.

How do you nab those deals?

Take a "wait and see" approach for summer travel. Fares are expected to fall in the next two weeks.

If you're looking for the cheapest days to fly, go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

The best time to shop is Tuesday after lunch. That's because most airline sales are out on Monday and airlines try to match those prices on Monday evening and Tuesday morning.