DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Skyrocketing fuel prices are putting airlines in an economic squeeze. Some airlines have instituted fuel surcharges, and others have tried raising ticket prices. But CNN's Stephanie Oswald says it's been a rough ride for the airlines and for the travelers.</s>STEPHANIE OSWALD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Most major airlines added fuel surcharges back in January. Since then, airfares have been on a roller coaster, with hikes by major carriers announced, then rescinded. March has been especially volatile. Continental raised prices on March 10th, four other major carriers raised their prices, too. But Northwest refused to go along.</s>TERRY TRIPPLER, 1TRAVEL.COM: And it only takes one of the good- sized carriers to decide not to go along for the rest to cave in.</s>OSWALD: But last Thursday, Northwest Airlines changed its mind and raised fares, and once again, several other major carriers joined in.</s>TRIPPLER: But this cat-and-mouse game tends to continue. It happens on the weekends when one airline will attempt to raise fares and then, by Monday morning, if everyone does not go along, it starts to collapse.</s>OSWALD: The up and down fares haven't stopped people from traveling.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To have big swings up and down in expected revenues is dangerous for a person, a company or a country, even an oil producer. So it's in their interest to not scare demand away by higher prices.</s>OSWALD: But, even if fuel prices drop, it won't be instant low airfares for consumers.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a four, eight-week period in which you to get the supplies and really start moving it to market.</s>OSWALD: In the meantime, fasten your seat belt, there's no sign of an end to the airfare turbulence. Stephanie Oswald, CNN, Atlanta.
Rising Fuel Prices Forcing Airlines to Consider Rate Increases