Delta said to raise some US fares by up to $20
DALLAS (AP) — Delta Air Lines Inc. is raising prices by up to $20 per round trip for most of its U.S. network, according to an analyst and a website that track airfares.
It's at least the fifth attempt by a U.S. airline to impose widespread price increases this year as the industry struggles with high prices for jet fuel.
Fare increases don't always stick. Airlines usually roll them back if competitors don't match the higher prices, fearing that they'll lose ticket sales.
J.P. Morgan analyst Jamie Baker said the success or failure of Delta's move Tuesday would depend on whether discount airlines such as Southwest and its AirTran subsidiary go along with the higher prices.
Price-watching website FareCompare.com said the Delta increase affected only tickets bought within seven days of travel, a type of more costly ticket usually favored by business travelers.
Delta did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
