Southwest launches new fare sale

DALLAS

Southwest Airlines said Tuesday it would offer sale fares for travel in December through March, excluding the Christmas holiday season, with prices on some seats starting at $59 each way for the shortest trips.

Although airline fares have been creeping up, Southwest and other carriers have continued to offer sales to boost demand during typically weak travel times.

The latest Southwest sale runs through Nov. 23 for travel from Dec. 2 to Dec. 17 and between Jan. 5 and March 9 next year. Seats are limited, although Southwest didn't say how limited. Tickets must be bought at least 14 days before travel, and the lower fares don't apply to flights on Fridays and Sundays.

Shares of Dallas-based Southwest fell 17 cents, or 1.9 percent, to $8.89 in morning trading.