Friday evening Southwest Airlines raised fares by $2 one-way in approximately 40% of its markets. All of the network carriers matched the increase over the weekend in overlap markets. This is Southwest’s second increase this year. Network carriers have tried to raise prices system-wide four times this year with limited success, in large measure due to the lack of participation by Southwest. With Southwest leading this increase, it is very likely it will stick.
While this increase is limited to $2 one-way*, it applies to all advance purchase fares (walk-up, 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day) and allows the network carriers to increase their floor prices in affected markets.
Southwest last increased fares on February 9, when it raised fares by $3 one-way for travel under 1,000 miles and $10 one-way for travel over 1,000 miles. The increase applied to all Southwest markets, but was limited to fares with advance purchase of 7 days or less. This increase was immediately matched by all of the network carriers.
*The increase is primarily $2 one-way. In approximately 10% of the markets affected, fares were increased by $1 one-way.
Network carriers: American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Airways
