Several major airlines — including Delta Air Lines — are trying to raise leisure fares yet again in an attempt to pull in more revenue.

        Houston-based Continental Airlines started the drive Thursday by raising leisure fares — tickets bought well in advance and usually including at least a Saturday stay — by $10-$20.

        Delta, which operates its second-largest hub locally, followed suit Friday.

        “We have filed similar fares,” Delta spokeswoman Kristi Tucker said.

        Airlines have been trying for months to raise fares, saying depressed yields per ticket were a main reason they remain in the red following the impact of the Sept. 11 attacks.

        But some airlines, especially Northwest, have refused to go along with similar increases, forcing prices back to their previous levels.

        Analysts such as Jim Higgins of Credit Suisse First Boston said all eyes will again be on Northwest, but that airlines were not optimistic that the current round of increases would stick.
       — James Pilcher

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