Rules

So given that doing this effectively requires a computer anyway and doesn't technically require you to be at the airport, what should the rules of this game be?  I'm thinking:

Must book from the airport itself: Booking online at home and then comfortably waiting until near your departure doesn't seem that different or exciting.  But the main reason for this is actually practical.  There might be an exciting flight that departs within 90 minutes or so, and if you're not already at the airport, you're going to miss it.

Must pick a destination at least 1,000 miles away: If you go somewhere you could drive to anyway, that's really not that good of a story.

International preferred: It's more of a challenge if you're outside the country, and don't have access to the same tools and services that you're used to at home.  That said, if an interesting and affordable opportunity comes up on the other side of the country, I won't rule it out.

Must be somewhere I haven't been yet: Again, it's not really a challenge if you already know the place.

No more than $2,000, and under $1,300 preferred: This game is no fun if you're getting gouged, and letting the price dictate the destinations is part of the fun.  Summer travel is expensive in general, so there's no guarantee of getting a steal so I have to be realistic, but $1,300 seems about the limit of what one would pay for a international trip booked in advance.

Technology is allowed: I'm planning to get a SIM card and a pre-paid data plan for my smartphone.  Yes, this is something I wouldn't have been able to do even a few years ago, but the game isn't about nostalgia, if our modern conveniences make this more feasible, then perhaps this can actually be a way to travel regularly and not just a one-time stunt.