Many airlines across the United States have raised prices on short-haul routes for the fifth time this year

Many airlines across the United States have raised prices on short-haul routes for the fifth time this year (Alberta Times) Many airlines are planning to raise prices for the fifth time this year. Southwest Airlines takes the lead in raising prices...

(Alberta Times)

Many airlines plan to increase prices for the fifth time this year. Southwest Airlines was the first to raise its fares, increasing one-way fares of less than 500 miles by $5. When Southwest raises its fares, most other airlines follow suit, and those price increases tend to continue. So far, the nation's largest airlines - Delta, US Airways, United and American - have followed Southwest in raising prices. Virgin America has also raised fares on short-haul flights, including San Francisco to San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, where Southwest competes. U.S. airlines have remained profitable this year but still complain about rising operating expenses, mainly due to rising fuel costs. With fewer flights and fewer seats, they are able to maintain higher fares. Airlines have tried to raise fares eight times this year, four of which have been successful. The latest, led by Southwest Airlines, becomes the fifth. Southwest's average one-way fare is $141.72 and the average mileage is 939 miles. Airlines tried to raise prices 22 times last year, nine of which were successful. Farecompare.com CEO Sini said that this year, airlines have tried to change their strategies. Usually, airline price increases are relatively large. But last week, Delta Air Lines raised its fares for business travelers, charging more for last-minute tickets and offering more space. But other companies didn't follow suit, and that approach failed.