Today's the final day of a three-day British Airways sale on fares to London and other European cities, with prices starting at an advertised $396 between New York and London. Virgin Atlantic responded yesterday with its own counter offers, starting at an advertised $416.

Something to keep in mind, though: On our sister blog, the Perrin Post, Condé Nast Traveler Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin writes, "Prices for transatlantic travel will most likely drop lower--perhaps even much lower--thanks to the downturn in business travel, overcapacity, and further reduction of fuel surcharges."

Of course, we all know that the ticket prices airlines advertise and what they actually cost in the real world bear little relation to each other.  Wendy's done the hard work for you, hashing out the actual cost of the British Airways and Virgin Atlantic tickets.

Further reading:
* The Perrin Post
* Recession Special: Palm Springs Getaway
* Just In: Breaking travel news