LAS VEGAS, NV (JUL 1) - National Airlines has incorporated new pricing levels designed to meet the needs of today’s last minute business and leisure travelers. Through FareSavers, National has significantly lowered many Main Cabin fares, particularly unrestricted, walk-up prices. In addition, FareSavers offers low First Class fares, advance purchase First Class Web fares, and other affordable fare categories.
Mark S. Suman, senior vice president - marketing and strategic planning, said, “There is no doubt that the travel industry must undergo significant changes to adapt to the new environment in which we operate. It has been well-publicized that leisure traffic is rebounding faster and stronger than business traffic. And business travelers are changing their travel planning to more resemble leisure travelers: purchasing tickets farther in advance, making multiple stops to take advantage of lower fares, and perusing the various online distribution channels that sell airline tickets. Gone are the days when the largest airlines reaped huge benefits from their frequent ‘last minute’ business travelers.” Suman noted that some airlines historically received 40% of their revenues from only 5% of their passengers, the frequent business traveler who paid “outrageous prices for sake of convenience.”

He added, “After an extensive study and test period, National is fully prepared to offer a more responsive pricing menu that will appeal to today’s prudent traveler. FareSavers is more than just a ‘value proposition’ for the frequent business traveler; it is a common sense offering to all ‘last-minute’ travelers. It is our firm belief that the age-old practice of lowering restricted fares to unprofitable levels while increasing unrestricted fares to prohibitive levels constitutes a broken business model for the current environment.” Suman said that National will remain competitive with other carriers on the lowest, restricted fares.

National’s FareSavers also offers multiple fare levels for First Class tickets, including 3-day advance purchase discounts on the carrier’s Web site that could save a traveler between New York and Los Angeles more than $2,600 roundtrip. Suman said, “Many people cannot afford to travel at the First Class fare levels other airlines charge. FareSavers not only provides lower fares to last minute travelers, but it also makes First Class travel more affordable.

For examples of how FareSavers can save money for last minute travelers, visit our What`s Hot section at nationalairlines.com.

National also offers travelers whose itineraries require connections in Las Vegas a free stopover in the carrier’s hometown. The free stopover may be taken in either or both directions, provided it is built into the itinerary when the reservation is made.

Reservations can be made immediately by contacting a travel agent, through the National Reservations Center at 1-888-757-JETS (5387), or online at www.nationalairlines.com. National Airlines Vacations can be reached at 1-888-LAS-TOUR (527-8687).

National Airlines operates an all Boeing fleet of 757 jet aircraft configured with 175 seats including 22 in First Class. The carrier serves Chicago Midway, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle with nonstop flights to and from its Las Vegas hub. National will begin new service at Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport on August 1, 2002. The carrier will also begin operating new service at Reno/Tahoe International Airport on October 3, 2002.
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