Northwest, Delta Join in Boosting Air Fares

With the addition of Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the five largest U.S. air carriers have boosted round-trip domestic air fares by $20--a hike all but Delta say is necessary to offset rising costs of jet fuel. Continental Airlines was the first to adopt the increase Tuesday, and United Airlines and American Airlines followed suit Wednesday. Northwest spokesman Jon Austin said the airline paid 25% more for jet fuel in the fourth quarter than it did in the same period in 1998. Delta spokeswoman Peggy Estes said rising fuel costs as well as competitive conditions led the airline to impose the surcharge. Delta’s hike is effective immediately. Surcharges by other airlines apply to flights scheduled after Jan. 31.