Delta Increases Ticket-Change Fee to $100

A T L A N T A, Jan. 30 -- Delta Air Lines has begun charging $100 to changea ticket, following the lead of several rivals.

The new fee, an increase from the previous $75, applies to alldomestic Delta and Delta Connection flights but not tointernational flights or flights on Delta Express, itsFlorida-based discount subsidiary. The ticket-change fee for DeltaShuttle flights was increased to $75 from $50.

"Each time a reservation is changed, the ability to sell theseat is diminished," spokesman Russ Williams said.

Delta's new fees took effect Monday.

Continental Airlines initiated the ticket-fee increase on Jan.19, with United quickly matching the increase and American raisingits fee to $90.

Trans World Airlines raised the fee to $100 on tickets to andfrom Hawaii and is studying whether to apply the fee to othermarkets. Northwest and America West airlines said they are studyingthe issue.

Alaska Airlines does not plan to raise its $50 fee, spokesmanJack Walsh said. USAirways has not raised its $75 fee and aspokesman declined to comment on whether it will.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines charges only the fare differencewhen changing a ticket.