Travel: Fairer Fares

After almost a year of high-level haggling, on two continents, the majority of the airlines flying the North Atlantic last week produced some good news for travelers. They finally agreed on lower fares that will go into effect April 1. Unless the majority's resolve somehow wilts, the new rates between New York and London will be:

New Old

First-Class $375 $475

Economy $210 $263

The airlines, which would like to attract more passengers in the offseason, attached one disappointing rider to the agreement: during the ten weeks of summer, when 65% of all U.S. tourist travel to Europe takes place, the economy fare will be cut only $8, to $255.