American Airlines said Wednesday it was extending its winter fare sale through May 22, with some changes, to boost passenger traffic. Most other major carriers were expected to match American`s prices.
American`s extending the fare cuts beyond the end of March, when they were due to expire, was viewed as a sign that fares will remain low through most of the year.
Texas Air Corp.`s pending purchase of beleagered Eastern Airlines is expected to intensify fare wars, particularly along the East Coast and in the South.
A spokesman for American, Joe Stroop, said the Texas Air-Eastern deal, struck during the weekend, wasn`t a factor in American`s decision to continue the reductions.
”This is solely to stimulate leisure travel,” Stroop said. American`s spring bookings are about flat in contrast to a year ago, he added.
American hasn`t determined yet whether to cut fares again in late May, when the busy vacation season begins.
But Stroop added that in view of increasing price competition among airlines, ”it`s not likely fare cuts will be discontinued.”
American will offer discounts of up to 75 percent off regular coach fares for travel from April 1 through May 22. The reduced fares are as much as $40 below American`s lowest Super-Saver prices, the airline said.
Tickets go on sale immediately, American said. The fare cuts are similar to those in effect through March, with the exception of slightly higher prices on days when travel is heaviest.
Peak-travel days, when fares will be higher, are Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday, American said.
The fare reductions are good only for round-trip tickets. In addition, reservation must be made at least 30 days in advance and tickets must be purchased within 14 days after reservations are made.
Travelers are required to stay at least through a Saturday. Penalties of 50 percent will be charged for canceling tickets for travel on off-peak days. Penalties of 25 percent will be charged for canceling peak-period tickets.
For 250 miles or less, ticket prices are $39 one way on peak days.
