The deals are flying fast and furious in a fare war being waged by major US airlines and Bermuda-based travellers stand to benefit, saving up to 25 percent on round-trip fares to American cities such as Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

The US carriers launched their latest seasonal fare wars on Wednesday, slashing domestic fares by an average of 45 percent in response to an initial salvo by American Airlines.

Trans World Airlines announced even larger discounts of up to 55 percent for 21-day advance purchase domestic flights.

American, a unit of AMR Corp., announced the cuts late on Tuesday, just ten days after major carriers raised their fares 2.5 percent to match a price increase led by Continental.

"Things are typically somewhat slower in the fall season, and we have good availablity,'' said American spokesman Tim Smith. "This is what brings in incremental business that might not otherwise be there.'' Round-trip direct flights on American Airlines from Bermuda to Boston, Baltimore and Philadelphia are running as low as $148, taxes not included. New York City can be had for $155.

USAir has matched that price, city for city. Continental Airlines offers direct round-trip flights to Newark for $155, and with a connection to Boston the fare drops to $148.

Delta Airlines, which flies direct from Bermuda to Atlanta and Boston, also joined in the fare war matching prices to Boston at $148. A return ticket to Atlanta excluding taxes costs $199.

All airlines stressed tickets required a three-day advance purchase, must be bought by September 30, and apply to travel between now and November 29. There are holiday black-outs, and a Saturday night stay is required. Continental has limited its reduced fares for weekday travel only.