Originally published April 24, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 24, 2008 at 8:47 PM

United Airlines raises airfares by up to 5 percent

United Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier, raised most domestic airfares by 3 to 5 percent Thursday as it struggles to cope with...

By The Associated Press

NEW YORK — United Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier, raised most domestic airfares by 3 to 5 percent Thursday as it struggles to cope with soaring fuel costs.

The widespread fare increase is the third in a row initiated by Chicago-based United in just over two weeks. The last two attempts were quickly matched by competitors and remain in place in many markets.

The move comes just two days after Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Richard Anderson said domestic carriers will need to raise tickets 15 to 20 percent just to break even at existing fuel prices.

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said the carrier's latest increase is "part of our effort to pass on increases in our commodity costs that will help offset the significant and rapid rise in fuel."

More Travel headlines...

E-mail article Print view Share: Digg Newsvine

More Travel

Get ready for Thanksgiving flight delays, thanks to New York

Biofuel used on Boeing 747 flight

Banff: powder, peaks & purity

Thanksgiving travel plans expected to grow slightly

Ask Travel: A free day in Prague

Advertising

Video

PNW Magazine | Easy As Pie
A little friendly competition between professional pie-baker Kate McDermott and The Seatttle Times' Kathleen Triesch Saul is handled with great taste.