United Airlines raises fares 3 percent to 5 percent, citing fuel

NEW YORK -- United Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier, raised most domestic airfares by 3 percent to 5 percent Thursday as it struggled to cope with soaring fuel costs.

The fare increase is the third in a row by Chicago-based United in just over two weeks. The last two attempts were quickly matched by competitors and remain in place in many markets.

The move comes just two days after Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Richard Anderson said domestic carriers would need to raise tickets 15 percent to 20 percent just to break even at existing fuel prices.

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said the carrier's latest increase is "part of our effort to pass on increases in our commodity costs that will help offset the significant and rapid rise in fuel."

Shares of United parent UAL Corp., which traded sharply higher along with other airline stocks for much of the day, rose $1.46, or 10.5 percent, to $15.41 in late afternoon trading.