Not sure about Montgomery, but I find reasonable fares out of Birmingham due to the Southwest presence there. So, go to their website and look at the places they fly. Then, book your ticket with another airline that flies the same route.
How about San Francisco/Oakland? Lots to see and do in 3-4 days. You may have to look hard for reasonably pricing HH lodging, but I'm pretty certain you can do it for $175 a night.