This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Most of the U.S.'s biggest airlines matched a $5-per-flight fare increase initiated by Delta Air Lines, citing higher fuel prices.
The increase is the second of four attempts to win the support of the major carriers this year, after at least 10 last year. Airlines generally roll back fare changes not matched by rivals, in order to remain competitive.
The higher fare will affect a relatively small number of travelers. Most major airlines set their pricing on the more- traveled routes to keep pace with low-cost carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways.
Bankrupt Delta, citing higher fuel costs, raised fares late last week. American Airlines, the world's largest carrier, UAL Corp.'s United Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways Group matched the increase Friday.
American subsequently pulled back the increase in markets where it faces strong competition from low-cost carriers.
Northwest and United matched the increases in all but those markets as well