Discount airlines AirTran and JetBlue Airways launched fare sales on Tuesday just days after a foiled bomb plot tightened security at US airports.

JetBlue said it would set prices for travel to and from energy hub Houston based on the closing price of a barrel of oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Based on yesterday's market closing, the fare currently is USD$73 one way between Houston and New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, with connecting service available to other markets including Boston, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC. The sale price compares to regular fares of USD$117.

JetBlue spokesman Todd Burke said that the week-long sale is a "fun way" to promote its new service to Houston's Hobby Airport and isn't connected to the recent security clampdown.

For its part, AirTran announced a two-day fare sale for travel to and from Boston, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia. Prices for the seven-day advance purchase tickets, start at USD$39 for one-way tickets between Philadelphia and Boston. The fares are valid for travel until November 15 on days excluding Friday and Sunday.

AirTran likewise said its fare sale wasn't a reaction to the tighter security measures imposed last week. Spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver said it was already planned.

Analysts and investors have been concerned that tighter security measures, including bans on liquids, will impact travel demand and lead to lower fares.