American Airlines has round-trip flights from Austin (AUS) to New York/Newark, Columbus, Tampa, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, San Jose California, or Sacramento (EWR, CMH, TPA, DCA, STL, SJC, SMF) for $178-$184 with a connection. Flights November to March. Extended weekends available. No Thanksgiving dates.
A Carry-on bag and also a personal item is allowed for free on American. You can avoid paying for seat selection by accepting the randomly assigned seat at the gate.