now until December 16.

Northwest Airlines yesterday announced it was slashing its fares on travel throughout the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean -- including Bermuda, up to 45 percent.

And Northwest's local general manager Mr. Ron Kattawar told The Royal Gazette : "I'm sure we are not underselling ourselves.

"It is the beginning of the slow travel season and we're hoping to stir those travellers who may want to travel but are a bit apprehensive about the prices.'' Noting that the airline flies from Bermuda to Boston, to Detroit, and to Las Vegas, Mr. Kattawar said local residents can enjoy 25 to 45 percent discounts to the destinations.

The only stipulations are that discount tickets must be purchased by Friday for travel through December 16.

Passengers must also buy tickets at least 14 days prior to departure.

In addition to the low fares, Northwest passengers will also be offered a choice of hot or cold buffet and a dark'n'stormy.

"Within the last month we have offered a new buffet meal service,'' Mr.

Kattawar said.

"Passengers now have a choice of hot or cold food on the aircraft. And most people enjoy that.

"We also just start serving dark'n'stormy this week. I wanted something that identified and associated our flights with Bermuda.'' Soon after Northwest made its announcements about fare cuts, other airlines, including American and United, followed suit.

American Airlines' local general manager Ms Carol DeCouto could not be reached for comment.

But a United Airlines spokeswoman said the lower fares do not apply to Bermuda.

Delta and Continental were studying the discount.

Earlier this summer, Delta offered ticket discounts, including to Bermuda, up to 35 percent.

The discount, which has dropped to 25 percent, ends tomorrow.