Northwest Airlines Plans To Boost Fares

Northwest Airlines said Wednesday it is raising some of its advance-purchase fares by up to 8 percent, charging more for travel during peak times and less during off-peak days.

The fare increase averages 3.5 percent, said Marta Laughlin, a spokeswoman for the Eagan-based carrier.

In August, the airline introduced Every Day Deals, fares purchased 14 or 21 days in advance that are 30 percent to 40 percent lower than normal excursion fares.

On Tuesday night, the airline dropped by 1 percent to 2 percent its 21-day and 14-day advance fares during off-peak times, typically noon Monday through noon Thursday and all day Saturday, Laughlin said.

The fares for the remaining peak times went up about 8 percent.