Travelers can expect fare rise at airlines

Major airlines are nudging up air fares, but most riders shouldn't worry just yet, industry watchers say.


With fuel prices running ahead of expectations, many airlines are tacking on surcharges or raising fares on certain routes. But there are still many deals to be had.


``They're trying to move the base fares up,'' said David Stempler, Air Travelers Association president.


But the big carriers still have to compete with the discounters, and they're still trying to fill planes to key destinations.


``There is no cut-and-dried (formula) with the airlines,'' said Irene Ross, of Ross Travel Consultants in Jamaica Plain. ``They fluctuate whenever possible.''


The price depends largely on where you're going and when. Travelers who are flexible will get the best deals.


Major U.S. carriers on Feb. 24 and March 11 raised some fares by up to $20 per round trip, based on distance. Continental, the fifth-largest U.S. carrier, started another round late last week. It was joined by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp.


The increases will generally be seen on flights with no low-cost competition, said Tom Parsons, chief executive of the travel Web site BestFares.com.


``The number of cities in which you can get away with this is dwindling,'' he said.


Apart from the most recent increases, several airlines are still running sales. It's not clear how long they will last.


Parson's predicted rates will go even higher this summer.


Travelers could wait to see if fares go down, but they risk not being able to get a seat, Stempler said.

Herald wire services contributed to this report.
By Jennifer Heldt Powell