Airlines try to nudge up airfares

The four biggest U.S. airlines are testing higher fares as a way to offset increasingly costly jet fuel.

United raised fares 3 percent on all flights, Northwest hiked U.S. fares 3 percent and American and Delta boosted fares $5 each way, USA Today reported Thursday.

With oil continuing to trade at historically high levels, all industries must act responsibly to offset rising costs, said United marketing chief John Tague.

Although crude oil prices fell 81 cents to $58.09 per barrel Wednesday, the futures contract flirted with $60 a barrel Monday, closing at a nominal record of $59.37.

Source: Big News Network