U.S. Airlines raise prices

In an effort to stem huge losses, the big U.S. airlines increased their domestic ticket prices heading into the weekend by $ 10 to $ 20 round trip, depending on the length of the flight.

Stung by high fuel prices, the industry has attempted to raise fares on many occasions over the past year. Only in the past few months have the price increases stuck, however, as passenger demand rises and fewer seats become available.

The latest round of fare increases was launched by American Airlines, which increased ticket prices system-wide Wednesday night by $ 2-$ 6 round trip. Delta Air Lines Inc. upped the ante on Thursday by raising round trip fares by $ 10 to $ 20. American then mimicked Delta yesterday morning.

By yesterday afternoon, the moves were matched to one degree or another by Northwest Airlines Corp., UAL Corp.’s United Airlines, US Airways Group Inc., America West Holdings Corp. and Continental Airlines Inc.