Airlines Offer Fare Sales Amid Economic Slump

Airlines turn to leisure travelers as corporate bookings slide

Wall Street's woes mean some carriers are offering discounts -- and travelers might even find a deal for the holidays.

The crisis on Wall Street has business travelers cutting back.

One analyst estimates that corporate bookings are down 10 to 20 percent. As a result, the airlines are turning to leisure travelers to fill the gaps.

Pricing expert Rick Seaney found some cheap seats using farecompare.com, including a $265 round-trip ticket from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to Miami, leaving on the day before Thanksgiving.

"Under $300 nonstop to a warm weather destination, that's pretty much what you would have paid two or three years ago," Seaney said.

Seaney said the cheap seats are not available on many routes.

Next year, fares are expected to rise as airlines continue to cut flights in an effort to drive up prices.

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