Northwest Cuts U.S. Fares to Lure Summer Vacationers

MINNEAPOLIS — Northwest Airlines Corp. said it is lowering fares for domestic flights by up to 35%, a move targeted at summer vacation travelers.

The sale fares are good for travel July 3 through Sept. 12, and must be purchased by Friday, the carrier said.

“It’s not too late to get a great bargain on summer vacation travel, but you have to act fast,” said Tim Griffin, senior vice president at Minneapolis-based Northwest. “These will be the best prices for the remainder of the summer season.”

Northwest’s sale includes discounted fares to cities in the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii and Canada, as well as Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cancun, Mexico, and Grand Cayman.

Passengers can fly round-trip between Los Angeles and Boston for $398, normally $674; between New York and Phoenix for $364, discounted from $560; and between Hartford, Conn., and Denver for $385, normally $592.

The cuts come amid a wave of fare reductions for foreign travel by major carriers. American Airlines Inc. said last week it was matching some European fare discounts initiated by Trans World Airlines Inc.

TWA announced the discounts last Monday and some carriers matched its fares.