They won't stop snowstorms that disrupt travel for fliers, but some new travel tools can make it easier for you to snag frequent-flier award seats, find cheap fares, book some perks for yourself and even make your trip a lot more enjoyable. There are even ways to try to avoid getting stranded by bad weather.

Cheap Fares Await Air Travelers In 2009 (KPRC Local 2 Houston)

A wave of fare sales has spread across the airline industry in the early days of the new year as the weak economy continues to put pressure on carriers to fill seats even after they drastically reduced capacity and some expressed willingness to cut more.

Recession Means Cheap Travel (Action News 24 Erie)

Well we've all heard the bad economic news – but for those with a little bit of money to spend, recession time could be the perfect time for travel. The recession means less money in our pockets, and fewer people taking trips.

Cheap airfares bolster demand (Business Day)

TRAVELLERS were snapping up cheaper airfares as airlines attempted to stimulate demand but the industry outlook was impossible to forecast given the economic turmoil, one of the leading internet travel companies warned yesterday.

Get Your Plane Tickets Now While They’re Cheap (KSHB-TV Kansas City)

With the weak economy, airlines are under pressure to fill seats. That means carriers like United, American and Southwest are reducing prices.