Delta Air Lines on Thursday announced a major restructuring of its airfares, including lowering the price of flying out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. We received several letters from readers in reaction to the Enquirer's front-page article advancing the announcement. Among them:

Delta is offering too little, too late - we have been held captive for more than 15 years, and finally they have realized that while we have been driving two hours to find a competitive fare, we have also found other airlines in other cities. When delta has been questioned in the past about the high fares, their standard answer has been, "The fares are what the market will bear." Yes, it is convenient to take a direct flight, but at three times the cost and being self-employed, that is not an option. Competition is healthy for all businesses, and I hope to see more at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Mary Burns
Fort Mitchell

I guess it's correct that Delta is lowering its airfares out of Cincinnati, but your example of the last-minute flight to Las Vegas for a little less than $1,000 is a distortion. If you look at Columbus, you can leave in two days for approximately $236. It has one stop, but for two people to save approximately $1,500 combined, I would travel to Columbus.

I do applaud Delta, but it is more desperation considering their financial situation, and it comes many years after they have consistently been milking the local traveler.

Gene Hendel
West Chester Township

A heartfelt thank you to all the travelers who spent hours driving to Louisville, Lexington, Indianapolis and Dayton for finally forcing Delta Air Lines to lower prices. The entire community owes you.

Frank Minning
Anderson Township

Kudos to Delta Air Lines! Their decision to lower local fares is a welcome one. Delta is my airline of choice, but I was beginning to consider changing because of their unfair practice of charging more to fly out of my local airport than passengers had to pay in nearby cities. Particularly if flying south, to drive north to get on a plane that would then fly over Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport seemed ludicrous. Thank you!

Kathryn L. O'Connell
Blue Ash

Have a topic you think readers should sound off on in this space? Send it to Ray Cooklis at E-mail rcooklis@enquirer.com; (513) 768-8525.