advantage of some newly announced flight discounts -- at least until the end of July.

The lower rates, which only apply to certain cities in the US Northeast, are limited to half the season because all of the airlines that serve Bermuda reduced their prices in response to a fare slashing by Northwest Airlines, which is pulling out of the local market on July 31.

Northwest announced on Sunday that roundtrip fares from Bermuda to Boston would be reduced to $258 plus tax on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and $298 plus tax on all other days. Tickets must be purchased by June 17 and are non-refundable.

Since that announcement, the four other US airlines that serve Bermuda have matched prices on those markets in which they compete with Northwest.

Yesterday, American Airlines announced a reduced weekday fare of $218 plus tax on its flights from Bermuda to New York. Tickets must be purchased either one day after making a reservation or seven days prior to departure and are valid for travel between July 3 and July 31.

American's flights from Bermuda to Raleigh, North Carolina have not been reduced and remain at a weekday rate of $356 plus tax.

On Monday, USAir reduced its fares to two Northeast cities.

Until July 31, USAir flights to Boston will cost $291 on weekdays and $331 on weekends, while flights to New York will cost $251 on weekdays and $291 on weekends. Tickets must be purchased seven days in advance and are non-refundable.

Delta Airlines has reduced its fare from Bermuda to Boston, pricing flights at $258 plus tax on weekdays and $298 plus tax on weekends. Tickets must be bought 14 days in advance.

Continental has discounted its fares to Newark. Flights will cost $258 plus tax during the week and $298 plus tax on weekends. Tickets, which are subject to a minimum stay of 3 days and a maximum stay of 30, must be purchased seven days ahead and are non-refundable.