Audacity Redefined: American Hikes Its Fares

True audacity used to be defined as the guy who kills his parents and throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan.

American Airlines has now redefined the concept. American, which canceled over 3,000 flights over the last four days and abandoned 300,000-plus passengers (many of whom are still staggering through airports trying to get flights), has just raised its fares, joining its fellow unindicted co-conspirators .. I mean, competitors.

See earlier post from Tom Parsons at BestFares.com

The update with American's action is from Rick Seaney at FareCompare.com:

"Friday, April 11, 2008 12:30pm CDT

American has joined into the increase in a similar metered fashion as past airfare hikes, completing the six legacy airlines matching of the $4-$30 roundtrip increase initiated by United late Wednesday evening. New prices will go into effect on American’s reservation system at approximately 3:00pm EDT.

The last remaining question on this increase, the 11^th attempted this year, is will it hold through early next week, making it the 7^th successful increase in 2008 – with such a quick match by the legacy airlines I would expect this airfare hike to remain sticky." {My note, meaning, it should hold.}

UPDATE: American has canceled another 600 flights so far today, according to FlightStats.com.

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