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Other Airlines Match Northwest Hike

Story Filed: Friday, March 17, 2000 12:31 PM EST

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Northwest Airlines has taken the lead in a new fare increase after spoiling two recent attempts by other carriers. Other carriers were matching it.

Northwest on Thursday raised round-trip fares throughout its domestic system.

The Eagan-based carrier's biggest increase, $20 to $40 round-trip, is in unrestricted fares. Northwest, the nation's fourth-largest carrier, is limiting the increase to $10 to $20 for round-trip excursion fares, the cheaper rates paid by vacationers who plan in advance.

Continental Airlines, Northwest's U.S. alliance partner, led failed attempts to boost fares on Feb. 18 and March 10. Continental had posted increases of between $10 and $30 for excursion fares in February. Three weeks later, Continental tried again, boosting its excursion fares by $20 and $40.

Several airlines refused to follow Continental's lead in the first attempt. Northwest and Southwest Airlines went against the tide in the attempt last week.

Northwest declined specific comment on its fare increases, which also included varying hikes in unpublished senior, military, Internet and consolidator fares.

Northwest also raised its fees for excess luggage, transporting pets, replacing lost tickets and other services by $5 to $25.

Consumer advocate Terry Trippler, an airline expert with 1travel.com, agreed with the Northwest strategy.

``We thought Continental was going in the wrong direction,'' Trippler said. ``The Northwest increase makes a lot more sense. It's more fair. I think this puppy's going to stick.''

For travelers willing to plan ahead, there are sale fares available. Trans World Airlines and US Airways both have fare sales for tickets that must be purchased by midnight tonight, and Sun Country Airlines extended to March 24 its $99 one-way fares for domestic leisure bookings to 22 locations.

The air fare see-saw isn't likely to end, added George Wozniak, president of Hobbit Travel in Minnepolis. ``Somebody is going to start another fare war before Easter,'' he predicted. ``I'd wait until the end of April before buying my tickets for summer travel.''

American Airlines, Continental, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines had matched the Northwest increases by this morning. Fare hikes generally are rescinded if other major airlines do not follow suit.

On the Net:

Northwest Airlines: http://www.nwa.com

Continental Airlines: http://www.continental.com

Southwest Airlines: http://www.southwest.com

United Airlines: http://www.ual.com

Delta Air Lines: http://www.delta-air.com

America West Airlines: http://www.americawest.com

American Airlines: http://www.aa.com

Trans World Airlines: http://www.twa.com

US Airways: http://www.usairways.com

Copyright ) 2000 Associated Press Information Services, all rights reserved.

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-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), March 17, 2000