Today, reservations computers at other major airlines showed they have matched American's discount prices on routes where they compete with American, including both directions on mainland-Hawaii routes. Those airlines that had not yet posted lower fares early today were expected to do so.

However, people planning trips will have to move quickly, since the lower-priced tickets must be purchased by March 3.

As usual, the discounts don't make that much difference on West Coast-Hawaii routes, already packed with competitive discounts.

However, substantial savings are available on routes farther inland, where fares are at least 23 percent cheaper than the lowest fares posted last week.

American, Delta, Northwest and Trans World Airlines, for example, all posted a $518 round-trip fare listed today for Honolulu-Chicago or Honolulu-New York trips.

Continental Airlines and United Airlines said they would match on routes where they compete with American.

The airlines listed two sets of new fares, the first good for the near term only. Travelers must return no later than March 14. The other fares, good for trips lasting as long as 60 days, are slightly higher but also offer significant discounts on interior mainland-Hawaii routes.

American was saved from a potentially devastating pilots' strike late Friday after President Clinton intervened minutes after the strike was called.

A strike could still take place in mid-April at the end of the 60-day cooling-off period that Clinton ordered.

American said its reservations lines were very busy over the weekend as travelers responded to the sale.