Delta Airlines ticket price reduction - Simplifares they call it

For the past few days, everyone's been talking about these new pricing schemes that Delta Airlines will introduce soon, and how it'll be better for everyone. Well, here's the scoop.

According to the summary, there will be up to 50% reduction in fares to the 48 contiguous states (or as I call them, the real states). There will also be an elimination of Saturday night stays where you're forced to stay overnight on saturdays for certain flights. Lastly, there will be lower change fees, to make upgrading or changing flights less of a hassle (the fee used to be $100, now it's $50).

In perusing the rest of their site, I found some Q&A information that I thought may be valuable.

What makes SimpliFares™ simpler and more affordable?

• No Saturday night minimum stay. Nonrefundable round-trip fares require only a one-night minimum stay-any night of the week.


• No one-way Coach Class fare higher than $499* and no one-way First Class fare higher than $599*. Additional taxes, fees, and restrictions apply, and fares are available only for purchase on delta.com or from a travel agent (see below for details).

How can I purchase SimpliFares?

You can get SimpliFares the same way you currently book travel between the 48 contiguous states: delta.com, Delta Reservation Sales, and both online and traditional travel agencies. There is no direct ticketing charge at delta.com. Travel agents may impose an additional service charge for ticketing.

Why book on delta.com as opposed to any other venue?

When you purchase your ticket on delta.com, you will avoid direct ticketing charges and online booking fees, plus earn up to 1,000 bonus miles. It's our way of saying how much we appreciate your business.
(All via Delta.com)

Maybe even poor folks like me will be able to buy cheap tickets now. According to most industry folks, other airlines are going to have to enact the same kinds of price cuts. That's good news for consumers, bad news for airlines. I'm looking to take some kind of vacation some time this year, so I hope I can take advantage of the new rates.