US Air Fares Plunge

A travel agent is offering return seats from Auckland to Los Angeles for $699 and add-on fares to New York, Chicago or Miami for just another $10.

Helloworld is selling 200 seats aboard American Airlines' new service at the cut rate price - $100 lower than those announced yesterday.

Helloworld general manager of marketing David Libeau said he expected them to sell out quickly.

"These prices are not sustainable long term but this is fun while it lasts,'' he said

"At $699 round trip to LA I would be surprised if we see anything lower in the market but you never know. These are loss leaders to drive business on the North American route and drive market share.''

Those opting for the $10 add-on flights further east must pay for accommodation or a cruise to the value of $500 or more.

"This has driven a frenzy of sales activity which is great for the consumer while it lasts.''

The fares are for travel between October 15 and December 15 and go on sale to midnight on April 1.

Passengers from Wellington and Christchurch can travel via Auckland for another $100 each on the airline's deal. The Wellington travel period is from October 17 to December 15 and the Christchurch window between October 15 and November 30.

Sean Berenson, Flight Centre NZ general manager product said there had been considerable movement in the last six months with new carriers entering the New Zealand-US market and a marked decrease in pricing.

A couple of years ago a good tactical fare would have been around $1599.

"I imagine we'll see pricing continue to become ever more competitive on this route and its likely we'll see fares being really good day in and day out as opposed to really good tactical fares less often.''

Read more at NZHerald.co.nz