Two more airlines, citing jet-fuel costs, raise fares
US Airways Group Inc. and American Airlines have joined competitors in raising most U.S. round-trip fares by as much as $20 as jet-fuel prices approach record levels.
US Airways Group Inc. and American Airlines have joined competitors in raising most U.S. round-trip fares by as much as $20 as jet-fuel prices approach record levels.
US Airways matched the increases, spokesman Phil Gee said yesterday. AMR Corp.'s American also adopted the increase, in most markets, spokesman Tim Smith said.
The fare hike was initiated by UAL Corp.'s United Airlines Wednesday. Five of the seven largest U.S. carriers now have raised their prices.
The cost of jet fuel is closing in on its 2005 peak. Jet fuel for immediate delivery in New York harbor was $2.43 a gallon yesterday, and the cost has risen 37 percent this year, making it the largest expense for some carriers. In September 2005, the price reached $2.49.
Delta Air Lines Inc. and Continental Airlines Inc. raised their ticket prices Thursday.
Northwest Airlines Corp. and Southwest Airlines Co. have not boosted their systemwide fares so far.
This week's increase by the five carriers is $10 each way on flights of more than 1,500 miles, and $5 each way for shorter flights. It covers fares for leisure and business travel in the United States, and includes some markets where the carriers compete directly with discount carriers like Southwest Airlines Co.
Separately, American already had raised most of its U.S. fares by $10 per round trip, and Southwest boosted prices this week by $20 per round trip on some routes - but only from its Dallas hub.