Southwest Raises Fares € 5 each way - USA Today

Southwest Airlines increases fares to most of its routes to and from $ 10 Friday, encouraging quickly match competitors' prices.

By Matt York, AP

Southwest Airlines said rising fuel costs forced it to hike rates on most of its routes.

United, American, U.S. Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier and AirTran and JetBlue have followed up their rates last week, according to Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com, which tracks closely the rate.

"I do not expect to fail this walk," he said. "I do not remember a hike ticket participated in the Southwest that has not been widely successful in raising ticket prices. "

Southwest says the rising cost of fuel may be forced to move. "We have a modest price increase across the system offset $ 5 each way to higher costs of fuel," said spokeswoman South West Ashley Dillon.

Airlines closely monitor each other and often the rate matching rate movements. Price changes by Southwest are considered particularly important because it is the biggest discount carrier in the U.S.

As the economy improves and more business start flying again, airlines have increased fares in recent weeks, they see their seating capacity in check.

They shrugged off national rates - as business travelers and leisure - five previous times since December. Southwest Airlines but not in two rounds of the game was Seaney.

The airlines have also been targeted rates hike ticket business travel. Delta launches an increase in business rates last week on his premier class and last minute tickets, with increases of up to $ 120 roundtrip. Other big network airlines is matched only change your mind and reduce tariffs during the week.

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