Southwest and Other Airlines Increase Fares

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines set off a $5 price increase on short-route flights traveling less than 500 miles.

"We never want to increase fares for customers, and are proud of the low fares we offer on Southwest.com. Sometimes, though, an increase is necessary to cover the cost of our business, including fuel," a spokesperson for Southwest declared.

Other U.S. carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Airlines and American Airlines, said they matched the Southwest increase.