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Northwest Hikes Fares, Cuts Flights

Big carriers scurry to boost bottom line as small airlines go bust

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2008 2:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – Northwest Airlines is jacking up fares and fees and scaling back domestic operations, the Wall Street Journal reports. The airline, trying to deal with soaring fuel costs and a slowing economy without instituting pay cuts, also plans to freeze hiring. Northwest will keep adding international flights, but will add fuel surcharges as high as $160.

The airline plans to start charging $25 for a second checked bag beginning in May, and $100 for three or more bags. Some of its rival carriers have similar plans to boost their bottom line in the face of pressures that have sent three small airlines crashing into bankruptcy this week. The turbulent outlook for the industry is likely to keep pressure on for the proposed Delta-Northwest merger.

Northwest planes At Miami International Airport.
Northwest planes At Miami International Airport.   (Getty Images)
A Northwest Airlines jet taxis towards a gate at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Mich., in this Aug. 10, 2006, file photo.
A Northwest Airlines jet taxis towards a gate at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Mich., in this Aug. 10, 2006, file photo.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Northwest Airlines will be raising fares and fees and cutting domestic capacity by 5% to try and offset record-breaking fuel prices.
Northwest Airlines will be raising fares and fees and cutting domestic capacity by 5% to try and offset record-breaking fuel prices.   (Getty Images)
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