You can readily identify an e-Passport, because it has a unique international symbol on the cover. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States.
Two to three weeks before the flight date, the price quotes start increasing. This is the time when business travelers start booking. While price drops are still possible, a chance of a price increase is much higher if you wait to book within this time period.
Jump ahead a couple of weeks and you're in the midst of the Christmas rush with plane tickets soaring to $440 and beyond. Now fast-forward to the second week in January and airfares are back down below $250 roundtrip again.