US Airways Raises Ticket Prices by $5

The increase went into effect late Tuesday and applies to all tickets, not individual flights, spokeswoman Valerie Wunder said. The Tempe, Ariz.-based carrier's move is the latest in a series of fare increases the industry has attempted in recent months as oil prices have surged.

Crude prices hit a new trading record of $99.29 a barrel overnight but backed off in volatile Wednesday trading. Light, sweet crude for January delivery fell 70 cents to $97.33 a barrel at midday on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Rick Seaney, chief executive of airfare pricing Web site FareCompare.com, said US Airways does not typically initiate fare increases, which are often matched by other carriers. He also said changes in ticket prices are rare during the busy Thanksgiving travel season.

"I would expect the other legacy airlines to at least begin to partially match the increase" as early as Wednesday, he said in an emailed statement.

US Airways shares rose 46 cents to $19.70 at midday.