Big Airlines Fire Another Salvo in Holiday Fare War

American and United airlines on Friday cut fares by up to 75% for mainland U.S. flights this winter, heightening a struggle to capture a greater number of bargain travelers from low-cost competitors.

The announcements were the latest extension of fare cutting that has blanketed the Christmas and New Year holidays. Republic Airlines and no-frills carrier People Express also have post-New Year discounts.

Northwest Airlines said it would match American’s discounts in markets where they compete. A spokesman for Delta said it intends to “remain competitive,” and other major airlines said they were studying American’s program.

Both American and United slashed their fares to as low as $29 one way for short flights to $129 for longer routes, said Thomas Plaskett, American’s vice president of marketing, and United spokesman John R. Zeeman.

United’s “Ultra Saver” discount fares exempted flights to Florida, and discount tickets must be purchased on a round-trip basis.

American’s passengers must buy tickets within three days of making a reservation and stay over at least through one Saturday night, Plaskett said. Cancellations will cost 50 percent of the purchase price.

The new fares at American will remain in effect from Jan. 8 to Feb. 10 and at United from Jan. 8 to March 20.