United Airlines has reduced resident fares for locals traveling between Guam and Saipan.

“United has lowered our resident fares to $299 for Basic Economy and $399 for Standard Economy, inclusive of taxes and fees,” Dan Weiss, Managing Director for Global Government and Regulatory Affairs, informed House and Senate lawmakers in a letter dated April 10. 

The new prices took effect on April 8. For residents to access the fare, the traveler would have to input their island location in the United website or mobile app before starting a flight search.

Weiss explained, “With the revised resident fares, United offers a ticket price $281 less than the ticket price we see being quoted in the community of $580. ($580 less the new, lowest resident fare of $299 = $281).”

United has also reduced the mileage required for a reward ticket on the Saipan-Guam route to 15k per trip or a total of 30k round trip. That change took effect on April 9.

Weiss said, “The rate of 15K miles, generally, is among the lowest mileage requirements that United offers on domestic segments within the U.S. mainland. “

The adjustments come after regional leaders spoke up about the cost of inter-island travel and residents in the Marianas signed an online petition calling for fair pricing.

Guam and CNMI lawmakers have also discussed pushing the U.S. Congress to exempt the Marianas from federal cabotage laws to allow foreign airlines to provide low-cost travel within the Marianas.