Delta Air Lines Hikes Most Domestic Fares $5 Each Way

Delta Air Lines Inc. has raised most of its domestic airfares by $5 each way to cover high fuel costs, a company spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday.

The fare increases went into effect late Monday, said Betsy Talton, speaking from Delta's Atlanta headquarters.

Other major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, a unit of AMR Corp.; United Airlines, part of UAL Corp.; and Northwest Airlines Corp., said Wednesday that they were considering matching the increases.

So far this year, airfares have risen about 10 percent. Passenger demand has remained strong as some airlines cut capacity to save money.

Higher fares helped many airlines to return to making a profit in the second quarter, even as fuel prices soared.

With crude oil now at $74 per barrel, other airlines will likely take advantage of the busy summer travel season to match Delta's fare increases, JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker wrote in a research note Wednesday. Baker expected to see other airlines increase fares within 48 hours.

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