NEW YORK — Major U.S. airlines launched the latest seasonal fare wars on Wednesday, slashing domestic fares by an average of 45% in response to an initial salvo by American Airlines.
Trans World Airlines announced even larger discounts of up to 55% for 21-day advance-purchase domestic flights.
American, a unit of AMR Corp., announced the cuts late Tuesday, just 10 days after major carriers raised their fares 2.5% to match a price increase led by Continental.
"Things are typically somewhat slower in the fall season, and we have good availability," American spokesman Tim Smith said. "This is what brings in incremental business that might not otherwise be there."
The tickets, which require a seven-day advance purchase, must be bought by Sept. 30 and apply to travel between Sept. 25 and Feb. 13. There are holiday blackouts, and a Saturday night stay is required.
