American Airlines announces $20 fare hike

Well, the airlines are at it again. American Airlines, the nation’s largest carrier, announced yesterday that it will raise round-trip ticket prices by $20.

This airfare hike comes on the heels of previous increases as airlines have raised prices to combat the cost of crude oil and jet fuel, which has surged as of Labor Day. This is by far the most significant increase.

I can understand that carriers have to deal with the rising fuel prices, but $20 more per ticket seems extreme. So, I can’t help but ask, with prices rising at such drastic rates, what are we, the passengers, getting in return? Where are the extra benefits of paying these high prices? As for me, I may combat my own fuel prices on the ground as I drive instead of fly.