Cheaper Fares

To step up mass air traffic, the international airlines last week agreed to cut prices in economy-class fares for flights to many parts of the world. Members of the International Air Transport Association sliced off 16% on mid-Atlantic runs, e.g., South America to southern Europe, 6% to 10% on flights from Europe to Asia. The cuts, which will go into effect May 1 and Oct. 1. were designed in part to avert price wars between I.A.T.A. members in areas where they were being undercut by other airlines. In some cases, propeller ticket prices were cut more than jet-flight fares. The airlines will also drop the de luxe and tourist-fare classes, offer only first-and economy-class travel.

As a further inducement to budget-conscious tourists, I.A.T.A. also announced a new off-season excursion-rate structure for trips from the eastern U.S. and Canada to Europe. Beginning next fall, passengers can fly from New York to London between October and April on a 17-day round-trip ticket for $320 on propeller aircraft, $350 for jet, thus saving between $112 and $136 a ticket.

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