Airlines hike business traveler fares

United and Continental airlines are raising one way and business fares by $20 to $60 for a round-trip ticket. Delta & American immediately matched the increase.

Unless you are extremely naïve you know the next step-an across the board fare increase.

No make that a fuel surcharge. That way the airlines can say that they haven’t raised the airfares and they’re still at pre 9/11 levels.

However that $198.00 fare with $200.00 in fuel surcharges and $98.35 in taxes, users’ fees and passenger facilities charge is still close to a $500.00 ticket! Actually it is $496. 35 which is close enough!