United, JetBlue push second airfare hike of 2013
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operated by United Airlines, takes off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Jan. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles, Calif. On Wednesday United implemented its second price change of 2013, with shorter trips going up $4 and longer distance routes increasing by $20 round-trip.
United Airlines is attempting an airfare hike of up to $20 round-trip on domestic tickets. This is the carrier's second push for a fare increase this month.
Airfare tracking website FareCompare.com reported the increase Wednesday — noting the higher prices are based on distance — with shorter trips going up $4 and longer distance routes increasing by $20 round-trip.
As of Thursday, JetBlue is the only airline to match United's increase, Rick Seaney, chief executive of FareCompare.com, said.
But even if United's current price hike fails to stick, airfares are still forecast to rise throughout the year. Airlines are paring seats to match demand.
JPMorgan analyst Jamie Baker said he expects other airlines to match United's second fare increase, but Southwest Airlines' support would be needed for the price hike to stick, The Associated Press reported.
Southwest carries more passengers within the US than any airline and wields immense influence over prices on many routes, according to the AP.
United attempted a similar fare increase on Jan. 3, but retreated after some airlines failed to match the hike, including Southwest.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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