In this morning’s update both Delta and United matched Continental’s $5
one-way fuel surcharge. American matched in this afternoon’s update.
This increase was started by Continental on Monday night.
Fuel surcharge increases are not as common as general fare hikes.
Typically it takes the other carriers longer to respond since their
systems are not designed to track fuel surcharges automatically.
While it is called a fuel surcharge, from the consumer’s perspective it
is a fare increase since it directly translates into an increase of $5
one-way for ticket prices.
Delta’s increase affects 847 of 1,200 top markets.
United’s increase affects 613 of 1,200 top markets.
American’s increase affects 447 of 1,200 top markets.
