Report: Despite Lower Fuel Costs And Ebola Fears, Many Airlines Just Raised Base Fares

The good news for airlines — fuel prices are down for once. But while that’s all well and great, that doesn’t mean consumers are going to have those savings passed down by way of cheaper air fares. Instead, many of the major airlines have recently raised their base fares by a few dollars across the board, according to a new report. Just in time for the holidays, of course.

Even as people stateside watch the Ebola outbreak unfold in West Africa and read the news about its effects here, it seems airlines aren’t worried that there will be fewer people booking travel: According to a report by the Associated Press, Delta Air Lines hiked its fares on many domestic routes by $4 per round trip last week, prompting others to match them.

Citing FareCompare.com CEO Rick Seaney and JPMorgan analyst Jamie Baker, the AP says that a few airlines bumped things by $6 and $10, but most hovered around $4.

While Delta didn’t respond to the AP’s request for comment, and neither did American and Southwest — both which reportedly raised prices — United Airlines did confirm it matched Delta’s $4 bump.

The good news? Just because base fares are higher doesn’t always mean you’ll pay more, due to frequent sales airlines often run, and adjustments made depending on customer demand.

These upticks show that any fear of Ebola isn’t tamping the urge to fly, as well as that airlines aren’t passing on savings to customers from those decreased fuel prices, Seaney told the AP.

Holiday travel just got pricier as airlines raise fares on U.S. flights [Associated Press]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.