Northwest slashes global airfares

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Northwest Airlines launched an airfare sale across its global network yesterday, slashing up to 40 percent from regular leisure fares to most of its destinations.

The coach class tickets may be purchased through Sept. 14. A Saturday night stay is required. Seats are limited and tickets are nonrefundable.

Cindi Kurczewski, a spokeswoman for Delta Air Lines, said only that Delta would "be competitive in North American markets."

American Airlines spokesman John Hotard said, "We matched the Northwest sale, and aa.com matched the 5 percent discount."

United Airlines officials did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Under Northwest's sale, domestic tickets must be purchased 14 days in advance and travel must be completed by Dec. 19. Tickets for international travel must be purchased seven days in advance and are valid for travel originating Sept. 7-Oct. 31 and completed by Nov. 30. Blackout dates apply around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Customers who purchase their tickets through nwa.com, the airline's Web site, or orbitz.com, would receive discounts of up to an additional 5 percent, said spokesman Curt Ebenhock.

Examples of the roundtrip fares include Minneapolis-Dallas $138 ($132 on Web), Pittsburgh-Phoenix $406 ($386), New York-Hong Kong $698 ($664) and Chicago-Manila $908 ($862).

Passenger facility charges of up to $18 roundtrip per person apply, and fares do not include taxes, immigration fees or government surcharges. Other restrictions apply.