Such events in recent years have occurred in off-peak travel periods to stimulate traffic.

The end of the summer has usually brought heavy discounting to stimulate traffic.

"Economically, it makes more sense for us to bring in a value carrier that can stimulate traffic," Ms. VanAuken said.

Now they're at a point where they're cutting them to stimulate traffic.

He said, however, "The issue is whether they will stimulate new traffic or act as a substitute for charter carriers."

Reducing restrictions could stimulate traffic by making the lower fares available to many more impulse travelers who want to take pleasure trips.

The industry lowered its deep-discount fares by up to 20 percent last month to stimulate traffic.

They are also expected to stimulate domestic traffic, which declined last year, and tourism from abroad.

Airlines customarily sell their lowest fares in the winter travel season to stimulate traffic on lightly traveled routes.

The old management had hoped to cut rates to stimulate traffic, but it is not clear whether that strategy will now be pursued.