Business Air Fares Raised in 5th Increase of Year

U.S. airlines, led by Delta Air Lines Inc., have increased business fares, those requiring little or no advance purchase, by up to $30 each way in the fifth fare increase this year. Two factors contributing to airlines’ fare hikes this year have been high demand and high fuel prices. Oil prices, however, have fallen somewhat since the last increase, a $10 each way fuel surcharge introduced last month. Delta increased fares late week and all major airlines, except for low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Co., had substantially matched them, fare experts said. Carriers matching the increases included United Airlines, American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, US Airways and America West Airlines.