Hotwire, the premier discount travel site, today announced the launch of its first-ever sale on all airfares purchased on the Hotwire Web site. The Major Airlines Spring Sale applies to all Hotwire Hot-FaresSM bought today through May 2, for trips completed by May 22, 2002.

For this limited time, Hotwire’s major airline partners have agreed to provide the site with even greater discounts off Hotwire’s already-low fares. Typically, Hotwire’s specially negotiated Hot-FaresSM, designed for the flexible leisure traveler, save up to 50% every day. Sale fares will now save even more money, varying by date and location.

“For travelers who are flexible with their flight times, we’re offering some amazing deals for late spring travel,” said Gregg Brockway, Hotwire executive vice president. “With this sale, we are making leisure travel even more affordable for consumers, while helping our major airline partners reach more people, and ultimately sell empty seats.”

Hotwire Hot-FaresSM and Hot-RatesSM are specially negotiated, discount deals on airline tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals aimed at the flexible leisure traveler. By asking customers to be flexible on certain details like exact flight time or hotel, Hotwire saves customers up to 50% off published airfares every day, and up to 70% off published hotel rates. Hotwire only partners with quality, major travel companies and never asks customers to bid for a price.

Hotwire launched in October 2000, offering an affordable and easy way for the leisure traveler to purchase airline tickets, hotel rooms and car rentals online from trusted brands. Hotwire offers Hot-FaresSM on airline tickets with 33 airlines including founding partners American Airlines, America West, Continental, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways. In addition, Hotwire Hot-RatesSM are available at top hotels in nearly 200 U.S. cities and resort destinations. Hotwire maintains a consumer focus on low prices, major travel brands and a simple user experience. Hotwire was established in San Francisco, California with investments from the Texas Pacific Group and founding airline partners.

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