Airline Fuel Surcharges All Over the Map

Air fares are up and fuel surcharges are being added to domestic air fares.

Since the first of the year, air fares are up, and carriers have tacked on fuel surcharges that are understandable from the airlines' operational viewpoint are irritating at best and shocking at worst to passengers on a budget. United Airlines started it earlier this month by raising fares by $5 for trips under 1,500 miles and $10 for those over 1,500, according to a Reuters report, and adding a $25 fuel surcharge, according to a report in AirWise News. Since United made the first moves, six major domestic airlines have raised fares and/or added a fuel surcharge. In fact, United reportedly increased its surcharge. However, today, Continental Airlines eliminated it. I can't begin to keep track of this fluid situation, but I thought I'd alert you to the little I know in the event that you are soon booking air travel.