Airlines match Delta's fare sale

Associated Press

Several airlines said yesterday 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 Monday that it had matched the fare sale.

Delta said the fares are valid for travel until October in more than 250 markets, including the carrier's largest hub in Atlanta. The tickets — some as low as $44 one way between Mainland cities — require a week's advance purchase and are unavailable for most holidays.

Separately, United Airlines announced a fare sale for flights to and from Hawai'i and the Mainland.

The Chicago-based carrier, which trimmed its daily schedule to 1,500 flights this month, flies daily to the Big Island, Kaua'i, Maui and O'ahu from 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, spokesman Keoni Wagner said yesterday.

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.

Advertiser staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi contributed to this report.