Late last month, the nation's airlines cut fares about 30 percent on certain coach tickets purchased at least 14 days in advance.

And some carriers cut fares by 10 percent this month to stimulate bookings.

The reason is that they allow airlines to cut fares on a limited basis.

Big carriers are taking the initiative to cut fares, as well.

The nation's airlines cut fares by up to 45 percent on domestic flights through Dec. 16.

American, the nation's largest airline, will cut fares to about 40 cities from Chicago.

In the slowdown many carriers cut fares to stimulate travel.

Eastern Airlines will cut first-class fares by about 40 percent to attract more business travelers.

To fill the extra seats, the airlines had to cut average fares.

Traditionally, they have not sought to gain market share by cutting fares.