Checked luggage fees just the beginning

Airlines have made it more expensive for passengers to fly on their routes by raising ticket prices to help cover the rapidly increasing cost of jet fuel. The three largest carriers in the US boosted domestic fares up to $60 round trip, and budget airline AirTran Airways bumped its fares by $30 round trip.United Airlines led the latest round of fare hikes, with increases of $10-60, depending on distance and competition on the route.

American Airlines, the largest of the US carriers, matched the increases almost immediately. The airfare comparison website FareCompare.com reported that Delta Airlines also matched the increase, although the Atlanta-based carrier did not officially made this announcement.The budget carrier AirTran increased its leisure fares by $30 and its business class fares by $50 round trip. These increases are considered large for a budget airline.The fare increases came about just days following American’s announcement that it would begin charging its passengers $15 to check one bag. Representatives of other airlines haven’t ruled out doing the same.As jet fuel prices have continued their dramatic rise, airlines have been forced to increase revenue as well as cut costs. Prices for jet fuel have increased by more than 43 percent since the beginning of the year, the Energy Information Administration reports.Chicago-based United Airlines has been one of the most aggressive in increasing fares and fuel surcharges, and competitors typically have quickly followed suit.

On Wall Street, shares of United, Delta and Northwest have plummeted to their lowest levels since their emergence from bankruptcy protection.

www.airtran.com