The move comes as airlines worry about the prospect of
higher jet fuel prices. Oil prices surged to their highest levels in more than
two years Tuesday as violence in Libya raised fears that oil production could
be threatened there or in other OPEC countries.
American, United, Continental and US Airways raised prices
Monday by $20 to $60 per round trip on some tickets favored by business
travelers.
Delta Air Lines, the last holdout among the largest
so-called network airlines, matched the increase Tuesday, making it more likely
to stick.
If even one major airline refuses to go along, fare
increases can collapse. Last week a Delta-led effort to boost high-end tickets
by $40 to $120 per round trip failed when US Airways first matched the increase
and then abandoned it. Such a reversal could still happen again this week.
The airlines are dealing with roughly a 50 percent increase
in prices for jet fuel in the past year.
American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith confirmed that his
airline raised prices Monday, adding that he believed American was the first carrier
to do so. Delta and US Airways also confirmed matching the increase. Fare
watchers said United and Continental raised prices, too, but parent United
Continental Holdings Inc. did not comment immediately.
This week's increases cover first-class seats, economy seats
that can instantly be upgraded to first-class, and so-called walk-up fares —
tickets bought the day of travel.
Such seats are believed to be a small portion of tickets
sold by airlines, but they command very high prices.
