Delta's airfares now less simple
By James Pilcher, The Cincinnati Enquirer

Delta Air Lines' SimpliFares program is getting more complicated.

The airline has made it harder to get the cheapest fares to many markets. It's now requiring Saturday night stays or a three-night minimum stay for those fares, according to statements to the federal bankruptcy court in New York, where the carrier filed for Chapter 11 last Wednesday.

Executives told the court that the changes, which began earlier this month, would boost revenue by $30 million to $35 million annually. Company officials stressed, however, that Delta is still committed to the concept of simplifying fares.

Delta, the nation's third-largest carrier, introduced SimpliFares in August 2004 at its second-largest hub — Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

The program went national in January — lowering most fares while capping prices. At the time, the lowest fares required a one-night stay.

"This isn't the first time an airline has gone back on what it promised," said Wayne Taleff, owner of downtown-based travel agency Talgood Travel. "But under bankruptcy, they ... really can't be held accountable for what they said in the past."

Minneapolis-based airline ticket expert Terry Trippler of Cheapseats.com estimated the new requirements are on about half of Delta's flights. But he said because there is no low-cost competition locally, most flights from Cincinnati would probably get the new restrictions.