Northwest Introduces New Business Fare

Northwest Airlines introduced a new class of business fares that are 40% cheaper than unrestricted, full coach walk-up fares, hoping to attract travelers who don’t want to build a Saturday-night stay into the trip to save money. BizFlex fares require a round-trip purchase at least 10 days in advance and a one-night minimum stay. They are nonrefundable and subject to a $75 change fee. The fares, available throughout the United States and Canada, are about 10% more expensive than Saturday-night-stay fares purchased 14 days in advance and will cost 20% to 30% more than restricted tickets purchased at least 21 days before travel. Meanwhile, UAL Corp. cut fares by 40% for late winter and early spring travel on certain U.S. and international flights. Customers must purchase their tickets by Feb. 18 and at least 14 days in advance of travel, and a Saturday-night stay is required. The sale matches one announced by Delta Air Lines Inc. on Tuesday. Sample off-peak fares include $358 between Boston and Los Angeles.