Delta, Continental Raise Advance Fares

Delta Air Lines Inc. and Continental Airlines Inc. increased excursion fares requiring advance purchase by up to $20 per round trip. The ticket increases posted late Thursday by Houston-based Continental and matched Friday by Delta range from 3% to 7% for a round-trip ticket requiring seven, 14- or 21-day advance purchase. The increases don’t apply to top-dollar business fares. Arizona-based America West Airlines also increased its fares, but it was unclear whether other large carriers would match Continental’s move. Previous Continental-led fare hikes this year have collapsed. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines said it doesn’t plan a fare hike.

Separately, AMR Corp.’s American Airlines said it will follow UAL Corp.’s United Airlines in cutting commissions for travel agents, which also could lead to additional costs for travelers. American said it will cap commissions at $50 per round-trip ticket and $25 for one-way tickets for domestic travel.