Fuel and other surcharges show no slowdown among US airlines with even discount carriers getting involved. It’s a trend expected to continue.
Even top discounter Southwest — which reported a profit on the strength of its successful fuel-hedging program — raised its fares for the second time this year.
American, Delta, Continental and Northwest recently raised their fuel surcharges on domestic round trips by $10 to $20, matching a move by United Airlines. US Airways is expected to do the same.
This week’s fuel surcharge increase is the 13th effort by the big full-service network airlines to raise prices since Jan. 1, Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com told USA Today. Eight of the previous efforts succeeded.
United Airlines, the world’s second-largest carrier, said it’s increasing business- travel fares and ticket-change fees to offset fuel costs. The price for changing tickets has gone from $100 to $150.
United is also requiring Saturday-night stays in about 65% of markets it serves, said company spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. That means higher fares for business travelers who don’t spend weekends on the road.
by: David Wilkening
