Carriers hike fares after oil prices surge

Airlines are responding to oil’s latest surge by pushing up ticket prices. Roundtrip domestic fares began rising $10 to $20 as crude futures crossed the once-unthinkable $100-a-barrel mark.

The widespread increases follow nearly two dozen attempted systemwide fare hikes in 2007, or about double the number during the previous year, according to data from FareCompare.com, which tracks airfare changes.

UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier, led with the biggest round of increases Thursday night. Tickets on short flights will cost $5 more one-way and trips of more than 1,500 miles -- such as Chicago to Las Vegas or Boston to Denver -- will cost travelers $10 more one-way, a spokeswoman said.

Delta Air Lines Inc. and AMR Corp.’s American Airlines followed United’s lead, matching the increase Friday.