In an unusual twist Continental Airlines started it’s own round of $5 one-way increases in tonight’s update. This comes on the heels of its pull back in the 12:30 update earlier today.
In effect this evening we have back-to-back fare increases. Delta’s increase from May 10th continues to be reduced as carriers roll back their increases and at the same time Continental is starting a whole new round of increases.
Continental’s increase affects 762 of the top 1,200 markets and applies to walk-up, 3-day, 7-day, 14-day and 21-day fares.
This is the seventh attempt at a system-wide increase this year and is Continental’s second try at a $5 increase in less than 12 days with the last attempt on May 3. Each increase attempt this year has met with limited success in great part due to the lack of participation by Southwest Airlines.
Typically at this time of year fares move up in anticipation of the peak summer travel. The current fare levels are 14% below last year at this time.
Below is a chart showing the course of the Delta increase and the start of the new Continental increase.
