airlines.

They are being offered savings of more than $200 on some midweek flights to the United States.

And the benefits also apply to people coming to Bermuda, giving a boost to tourism.

Yesterday USAir announced a pre-tax fare of $142 for roundtrip flights to Baltimore and Philadelphia.

The fares require a seven-day advance purchase and tickets must be bought by midnight February 24.

Local USAir Customer Services Manager Mr. Herbie Siggins said the deal related to Monday-Thursday travel up to May 23.

"We are talking about substantial savings on all fares out of Bermuda. Normal rules and regulations apply.'' He added: "These special fares alter considerably depending on where you are travelling.'' Mr. Siggins pointed out there was a $178 saving on the airlines flight to New York. On Tuesday, USAir also announced reductions on all domestic air fares for travel through to June 15. The discounted roundtrip fares ranged from $178 for shorter, off-peak trips to $428 for peak-hour flights of more than 2,000 miles.

Other airlines who have joined the price-cutting spree include Continental.

Local Continental spokeswoman Ms Judy Roberts said the airline's Bermuda-Newark flight had been slashed to $142 for travel through to June 15.

"Travel must originate on or after February 21, and there is a minimum of three days and maximum of 30 days.'' American Airlines has cut fares for Bermudians as well, although details were yesterday not available.

This week the airline announced a spring fare sale lowering advance purchase fares in the US, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. American hoped the sale would stimulate traffic and generate higher revenue during the normally slower travel period of spring and early summer. Delta, meanwhile, is considering whether to follow the cost-cutting trend.