RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Now that Rapid City has successfully lured Frontier airlines to town, air fares already are set to drop.

Frontier starts twice-daily round-trip flights between Rapid City and Denver on October fifth. Round-trip fares will start at 219 dollars for a one-week, Tuesday-to-Tuesday stay.

A round-trip fare on competitor United Airlines now costs 393 dollars. But, effective one week before Frontier starts its Rapid City service, the United fare will fall to 219 dollars for the same Tuesday-to-Tuesday schedule.

A United Airlines spokesman says his airline's fares always will compete with others.

Rapid City Regional Airport executive director Mason Short says he won't speculate on what will happen to overall flights and fares in Rapid City. But Short says airline competition is always good for the marketplace.

Airport board member Jerry Mitchell says he thinks fares will drop and that fewer people will drive to Denver to catch flights.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-04-07 1103CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list