Northwest Sparks Summer Fare Sale

Northwest Airlines Corp., the nation’s fourth-largest airline, initiated a summer fare sale, which was quickly matched by other carriers. The fares, for travel through Sept. 7, include discount fares for adults and lower companion fares for up to two children flying with an adult. The fares are offered in select destinations in the continental United States and Canada, St. Paul, Minn.-based Northwest said. UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, AMR Corp.’s American Airlines and Trans World Airlines Inc. all said they matched the sale. Other large airlines could not be reached for comment, but airlines typically match competitors fares on overlapping routes. Sample fares include Baltimore-Memphis for $135, with a companion fare of $99 and Minneapolis/St. Paul-Los Angeles for $149, with a $99 companion fare. Fares are each way based on round-trip purchase. Fares require a 14-day advance purchase and tickets must be purchased no later than June 4.