50 dollar increase in United faresâyikes

March 14th 2008

United Airlines said today that ticket prices should increase by as much as $50 for round-trip fares. The culprit, again, rising fuel costs that are being passed down to consumers.

Continental Airlines Inc. matched the increase, and at least one other carrier, US Airways, said it would research the change, but has yet to confirm whether or not it will follow. It's been the fourth week in a row where carriers have raised ticket prices. What's more, this is the second increase for United-the second largest U.S. airline carrier.

United's higher tickets prices went into effect late Thursday, just after crude oil prices rushed to a new record of $111 a barrel. This particular increase is astonishing, since most fare increases have seen a $10 threshold for round-trip fares.

A spokeswoman from United, noted that higher fares correspond with lengthier flights. Trips under 500 miles will cost individuals $4-$10 more round-trip. Anything more than 1,500 miles will be $12-$50 more.