BLOG: Airline Fuel Surcharges Return
By Jim Donovan: Get ready to shell out some more cash when buying a plane ticket. It looks like the old airline "fuel surcharge" is making a comeback.
American Airlines has added fuel surcharges of as much as $5 each-way on most routes. While United and Continental are socking customers with a $3 each-way surcharge. According to FareCompare.com, US Airways and Delta have matched the increases on some routes. The big question is whether Southwest will match the increases.
Airlines haven't used fuel surcharges since 2008, when oil prices spiked. Analysts say that the airlines would need to raise prices further, or cut capacity, to make up for the recent increases in jet fuel prices.
