Sky high airfare is here (to stay?)

Following recent increases in fuel surcharges by the airlines, Continental Airlines and United Airlines have announced that they're increasing fares immediately. The increases are expected to be up to $50 on round trip fares. The longer the flight, the greater the increase.

The price increased is blamed on airline fuel, which is at record high prices. Many of the airlines have been increasing their fuel surcharges as well, so the increase in the cost of air travel continues to rise. This will be the fourth week in a row that price increases have been announced by airlines.

Obviously, this price increase will hurt the frequent travelers (primarily business people) and families (buying multiple tickets at once) more. The price increases aren't really unexpected, as consumers have seen the prices of many things increase lately, including food, gas, and many consumer goods.