Continental Airlines Announces Hike in Fares

Continental Airlines has announced a hike in fuel surcharge on domestic US planes to offset increased operational costs, raising the round-trip fares from $20 to $40.

According to news reports, Dave Messing, a spokesman for Continental, stated that the increase of $10 one-way and $20 round-trip affects all flights in 48 states and will be included in the total fare.

According to reports, Continental is the third major airline in the country to announce a fare hike to meet rising fuel prices. Similar efforts by American Airlines and United Airlines in the past few weeks have failed.

According to the Air Transport Association, fuel expenses, which were usually 10% to 15% of operating costs, now account for 25% to 40% of costs.