United leads way in fare increases

CHICAGO -- UAL Corp.'s United Air Lines said Thursday it's raising U.S. fares as much as $30 to help recoup record fuel costs, prompting two rivals to follow. United increased fares between $4 and $30 round trip, depending on the length of the flight and the low-fare competition on the route, Jeff Kovick, a spokesman for the Chicago-based carrier, said. Continental Airlines Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. matched United's increases, Tom Parson of Web site bestfares.com said.