Southwest triggers sales on late-winter fares

Major airlines moved Friday to match a fare sale started by Southwest Airlines Co. as the carriers worry about weak demand for travel during a recession.

Southwest said that through Monday it would sell seats to almost everywhere it flies at $49 to $99 each way. Tickets must be bought at least 14 days before flying, travel must be completed by March 11 and seats are limited, the airline said.

AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, Continental Airlines Inc., UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, US Airways Group Inc., JetBlue Airways Corp. and Delta Air Lines Inc. matched the Southwest prices, officials at those carriers said.

A three-day sale by AirTran Airways ended Thursday.

Dallas-based Southwest launched the sale shortly after reporting Thursday that it lost $56 million in the fourth quarter, its second straight losing quarter after 69 profitable quarters.

Chief Executive Gary Kelly said Thursday that there was “notable softness” in February and March bookings. The day before, AMR Chief Financial Officer Thomas Horton said March looked particularly weak.

Airlines often match their rivals’ fares rather than risk losing price-sensitive passengers.

Last year, airlines raised prices several times and imposed new fees on checked bags to counter rising fuel prices. Although fuel prices have fallen sharply, most of the fees are still in effect.