BRIEFLY / AIRLINES : Delta Sparks New Round of Air Fare Cuts

Delta Air Lines Inc. said it is cutting its fares for fall travel in the United States and to some European destinations, with added discounts for those who buy their tickets online. Delta spokesman Clay McConnell said the discounts are up to 35% cheaper than standard 21-day advance purchase tickets for domestic travel. Sample fares are Atlanta to Boston for $138 round-trip and Los Angeles to New York for $358 round-trip. A spokesman for AMR Corp.’s American Airlines said American has matched the sale. Continental Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. also cut their fares. Delta said the sale applies to travel between Oct. 5 and Dec. 15 in the U.S., except to Hawaii, Alaska and the Virgin Islands and to some cities in Europe. Tickets must be bought by Oct. 1 and at least 14 days before departure. Delta, the nation’s third-largest airline, said those who buy tickets online for travel in the U.S. can get an added discount of up to 5%. The sale follows a fare sale introduced in August by UAL Corp.’s United Airlines.