Airlines raise ticket prices — again

PHOENIX — Prepare to pay a little more flying out of town.

Southwest, United and other airlines have hiked fares by $10 per round trip. It’s the fourth increase of the year.

National travel consultant Kari Valley with 92.3 KTAR said the increases might actually help travelers looking for deals away from the airfare.

“You’re going to see more specials on the land component or cruises because if people can’t afford to get there, then they’re going to be sitting with unoccupied rooms,” she said.

Valley said frequent flyers will notice the price increase more than the casual traveler. It’s all relative, though.

“It may cost you $250 to fly to the East Coast but that’s still really inexpensive when it costs you $50 to fill up your standard car,” she said.