Skybus offers $20.08 one-way fares

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. discount carrier Skybus Airlines Inc. said Wednesday it would offer $20.08 one-way fares through February.

The bare-bones airline -- which canceled eight flights Christmas Day and 10 the day after because two planes needed repairs -- said passengers must purchase the special fares by midnight Saturday.

The flights -- from Columbus, Ohio; Portsmouth, N.H.; and Greensboro, N.C. -- are available only online at www.skybus.com, the airline said. The carrier does not have a telephone reservation service.

Skybus -- which mimics many cheapskate travel tactics Ryanair Holdings PLC pioneered in Europe -- already offers 10 $10 one-way seats on every flight ($21 after taxes).

The $20.08 fares will be more plentiful than the $10 seats, the airline said -- without saying how many tickets would be available at that price.

The Columbus airline is to make Greensboro its second hub this month.