Delta, American raising fares for some

DALLAS - Delta and American are raising the price of some tickets favored by business travelers up to $120 per round trip.

Fare experts said Delta started the increase on Monday and was matched by American.

It's the second big increase in fares in as many weeks. Airlines eliminated many flights when oil prices were high and the economy was weak, giving them power to raise fares now that planes are more crowded and travel demand is rebounding.

JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker said it made sense for Delta and American to target corporate travelers, who are considered less sensitive to price increases. He said it also might indicate that airlines have raised vacation fares as much as they can without causing a loss of revenue - presumably by hurting ticket sales.

American Airlines spokesman Ed Martelle said the increases covered first-class, business-class and 7-day advance-purchase tickets. Flights up to 500 miles were boosted $20 each way, those from 501 to 1,500 miles were raised $40 each way, and flights longer than 1,500 miles increased by $60 each way, he said.

"We're responding to the Delta initiative," Martelle said.

Delta Air Lines Inc. did not have an immediate comment.

Last week, United and Continental led an increase of $20 to $60 per round trip on tickets typically bought by business travelers. Delta and American matched the hike last week.

It was unclear whether other airlines would match the latest increase, which also covered so-called instant-upgrade seats in coach. Baker said low-fare airlines wouldn't be able to block the hike by not going along with it because the tickets are sold at prices far higher than the discount carriers typically charge.