3 Major Airlines Rescind 3% Fare Increases

AMR Corp.’s American Airlines, UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. canceled last week’s 3% fare increases as rivals failed to follow, according to Bestfares.com, an Internet site that tracks fares. American, the second-largest U.S. carrier, raised its prices last week to help offset rising jet fuel costs but was forced to pull back Sunday, Bestfares.com said. Biggest carrier United and No. 5 Continental canceled their increases Monday. The carriers’ latest attempt at a price increase fizzled after Northwest Airlines Corp., US Airways Group Inc. and others refused to raise their fares. No. 3 Delta Air Lines Inc. raised its fares for a few days last week before bowing out Friday.