Attention KCI travelers: AirTran extends fare sale into fall

With economic uncertainty unwavering, AirTran Airways is offering cheap flights into early November.

The discount carrier launched a fare sale today with one-way fares as low as $39 for off-peak travel.

AirTran flies to Atlanta and Orlando from KCI. A quick check of AirTran's website showed that one-stop flights from KC to Orlando for a long weekend in October are selling for $118 round-trip. Non-stop flights to Atlanta in the same month are selling for $128 round-trip.

While many are hoping the economy begins to bounce back in the second half of 2009, industry experts say AirTran is not taking any chances.

"Basically, what they are doing is locking in seats because of the lack of certainty of what's going to happen during the recession," Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com told the Associated Press. "At this point, airlines are not trying to make a profit on each seat, they are just trying to fill them up."

American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and Delta Air Lines all matched AirTran's prices on routes where they compete. Delta flies to Atlanta from KCI.

AirTran's sale lasts through March 5 for travel till Nov. 4. The cheapest fares are offered when traveling on Monday through Thursday as well as on Saturday.

For air fare comparisons, click here or check out Air Fare Watchdog by clicking here.

To check out Seaney's website, click here.