New Fare Tug-Of-War Among U.S. Airlines

Several of the top U.S. air carriers slashed airfares in an effort to be up to par with competitor Delta Airlines that had cut down on plane ticket prices by fifty percent.

Delta´s decision unleashed a new price war in less than 24 hours that industry experts believe could only add insult to injury for the already downtrodden airlines.

American Airlines, the world´s largest carrier, announced a price overhaul similar to Delta´s that would include price reduction of costlier fares and last-minute plane tickets.

In the same breath, AA will knock down all restrictions for cheaper fares that were usually required in the case of roundtrip flights. One of those barriers enticed travelers to stay overnight every Saturday before flying back home.

AA´s lower fares will also be applied to its two affiliates, American Eagle and American Connection.

This financial move puts Delta on an even keel with Continental, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways, that had also trumpeted similar cutbacks.

Delta´s execs explained their intention to push airfares south seeks to step behind the competitive eight-ball with low-cost carriers like Southwest, American West, Frontier and others.