between US carriers.

American Airlines, Delta, Continental, US Airways all followed United Airlines' lead in cutting fares for the autumn by 15 to 30 percent.

But all of the companies, except for American, said the discounts did not apply to Bermuda flights at this present time.

On Thursday, American Airlines was trying to establish whether the deal applied to Bermuda.

The sale, introduced by UAL Corp's United Airlines, the largest airline in the US, offers discounts on most routes in the US and Canada between September 7 and December 17.

The sale comes after three broad-based fare increases this year. Analysts said airlines have been forced to offer discounts from those higher fares to keep bookings up while competing against low-fare carriers.

Delta Air Lines Inc , the nation's third-largest carrier, said it matched United's sale and extended its sale on Labour Day travel for another week.

Besides the sale on North American routes, United cut autumn fares for international travel during off-peak times on select routes to Asia, Europe and South America.

The airlines said all sale tickets require a 14-day advance purchase, a Saturday night stay and must be purchased by September 3.

British Airways has announced a seat sale with some UK fares as low as $524.

The low fare offer is also extended to European cities.

For travel between November 1 and December 9, midweek fares for London Gatwick and Manchester are $524, with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle at $624, also midweek.

In October, London and Manchester are $654 midweek, with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle $754.

For travel next month, between September 7 and 30, tickets are $799 and $899 midweek.

Residents planning a European trip can fly for as little as $624 midweek, during certain periods.

All tickets must be bought by September 14. Taxes are not included, and capacity and other restrictions apply.