Can AI find me the cheapest flight?

## Step 1: Create a comparison table with estimated total costs
To create the comparison table, we need to consider the costs of the flights, carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat selection. Since the options provided include different fare types (Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Saver), we must understand that Basic Economy fares often come with restrictions such as no free checked bags and limited or no seat selection, while Main Cabin and Saver fares may offer more flexibility but could still have varying fees for checked bags and seat selection.

## Step 2: Determine bag fees
- United Airlines Basic Economy: Typically, Basic Economy fares do not include a free checked bag, and the fee can range around $30-$40 for the first checked bag. Carry-on bags are usually free in this fare type.
- Delta Air Lines Main Cabin: Main Cabin fares typically include a free carry-on bag. The fee for a checked bag can range around $30-$40.
- American Airlines Main Cabin: Similar to Delta, Main Cabin fares on American usually include a free carry-on and may have a fee for checked bags, around $30-$40.
- Alaska Airlines Saver: Saver fares often include restrictions, but typically, a carry-on is free. The fee for a checked bag can be around $30-$40.

## Step 3: Consider seat selection fees
Seat selection fees can vary widely among airlines and even among different fare types within the same airline. For Basic Economy and Saver fares, seat selection might be limited or cost extra, potentially ranging from $10 to $50 or more per flight, depending on the airline and the seat's location.

## Step 4: Compile the comparison table
Given the information and the variability in fees, the table would look something like this:

| Airline | Flight Times | Price | Fare Type | Estimated Total Cost (including bags and seat selection) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United Airlines | 08:30-10:45 | $210 | Basic Economy | $210 (flight) + $30-$40 (checked bag) + Fees for seat selection and checked-bag handling may differ by airline; confirm the exact amount before booking. |
| Delta Air Lines | 09:15-11:30 | $225 | Main Cabin | $225 (flight) + $0 (carry-on) + $30-$40 (checked bag) + Fees for seat selection and checked-bag handling may differ by airline; confirm the exact amount before booking. |
| American Airlines | 12:00-14:20 | $240 | Main Cabin | $240 (flight) + $0 (carry-on) + $30-$40 (checked bag) + Fees for seat selection and checked-bag handling may differ by airline; confirm the exact amount before booking. |
| Alaska Airlines | 15:45-18:05 | $215 | Saver | $215 (flight) + $0 (carry-on) + $30-$40 (checked bag) + Fees for seat selection and checked-bag handling may differ by airline; confirm the exact amount before booking. |

## Step 5: Choose the best pick
Based on the provided information, Alaska Airlines' Saver fare seems to be the most cost-effective option at $215, considering it includes a free carry-on and the potential for a lower total cost after adding a checked bag and any seat selection fees. However, it's crucial to confirm the exact fees for seat selection and checked-bag handling with each airline before making a final decision.

## Step 6: Provide search tips
Three search tips for your route that you haven't tried yet include:
1. **Using budget airline comparison websites**: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights can provide a broader view of available flights, including budget airlines that might not have been considered.
2. **Looking into nearby airports**: If possible, consider flying into or out of nearby airports instead of LAX or ORD, as this might offer cheaper options or more convenient flight times.
3. **Setting up price alerts**: Many flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts for specific routes and dates, which can notify you when the price drops, potentially saving you money.

The final answer is: 
1. Comparison table provided in step 4.
2. Your best pick is Alaska Airlines' Saver fare at $215, as it appears to be the most cost-effective option after considering the potential costs of a checked bag and seat selection. However, confirm the exact fees with the airline before booking.
3. The three search tips are using budget airline comparison websites, looking into nearby airports, and setting up price alerts.

Here are the requested comparisons and tips:

1. Comparison table:
| Airline | Departure | Arrival | Price | Fare Type | Carry-on | Checked Bag | Seat Selection | Estimated Total Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Delta | 07:45 | 15:30 | $850 | Basic Economy | Free | Bag fee not confirmed | Seat-selection cost not confirmed | $850 + bag fee + seat-selection cost |
| United | 09:15 | 17:10 | $820 | Standard | Free | Free | Seat-selection cost not confirmed | $820 + seat-selection cost |
| British Airways | 11:00 | 19:00 | $950 | Economy (flex) | Free | Free | Seat-selection cost not confirmed | $950 + seat-selection cost |
| Norwegian | 13:30 | 21:20 | $780 | Low Cost | Free | Bag fee not confirmed | Seat-selection cost not confirmed | $780 + bag fee + seat-selection cost |

2. Your best pick is the United flight, as it offers a competitive price of $820 and includes a free checked bag, which is a significant cost savings. Additionally, United's Standard fare may offer more flexibility and amenities compared to the Basic Economy or Low Cost fares of other airlines.

3. Here are three search tips for your route that you haven't tried yet:
* Consider searching for flights on nearby dates, such as December 18-25 or December 22-29, to see if you can find a better deal by being more flexible with your travel dates.
* Look into booking a package deal that includes a hotel stay, as this can sometimes be cheaper than booking a flight alone, especially during peak travel seasons.
* Try using a meta-search engine like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices across multiple airlines and online travel agencies, as they may have access to exclusive deals or sales that aren't available on individual airline websites.