Rivals match Delta's lower Mainland air fares
Associated Press
Several airlines said today they have joined a fare sale launched by Delta to try to reinvigorate U.S. air travel — including to Hawai'i — that has been slowed by war in Iraq and severe acute respiratory syndrome fears.
United, Northwest, Continental and US Airways all matched Delta's lowered prices in markets where the airlines compete, officials from the carriers said.
American Airlines, the nation's biggest carrier, said yesterday that it had matched the fare sale.
The tickets — some as low as $44 one way between Mainland cities — require a week's advance purchase, with the lower fares unavailable for most holiday periods. The fares are valid for travel Monday through Thursday and on Saturday, from April 14 through Oct. 1. Tickets must be purchased by April 16.
Separately, United Airlines announced a fare sale for flights between Hawai'i and the Mainland in both directions.
The Chicago-based carrier, which trimmed its daily schedule to 1,500 flights this month as it restructures in bankruptcy, flies daily to four islands — Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Maui and O'ahu — from its hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The carrier also has nonstop service from Denver to Honolulu. The deadline for buying tickets is April 18, and trips must be completed by June 11.
Sample round-trip fares include Los Angeles-Honolulu, $440; Seattle-Kona, $500; Boston-Kaua'i, $738; Chicago-Honolulu, $698.
"Hawai'i has universal appeal because of its physical beauty and wonderful ambiance," said Chris Bowers, United's vice president of sales and reservations, in a written statement. "These low fares make vacationing there this spring on United even more attractive."
Hawaiian Airlines is evaluating the sale to determine whether to adjust its fares.
"We're looking at it today to determine if we need to make any changes to remain competitive," said spokesman Keoni Wagner.
Aloha Airlines does not typically follow Mainland carriers' fare cuts, said spokesman Stu Glauberman, but it is advertising Internet deals including last-minute $318 round-trip fares between the West Coast and Hawai'i that are valid 3 to 10 days before travel for limited seats.
Most airline stocks dipped lower yesterday after a downgrade of the sector by Smith Barney. Shares in United parent company UAL Corp. rose 1 cent to 64 cents in afternoon trading on the OTC Bulletin Board.
Advertiser staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi contributed to this report.
