rose by 11 percent this year.

The third fare increase of 1999 was started by Continental Airlines, which raised prices by four percent on Friday.

By Tuesday, Continental, American, Northwest, Delta, United and TWA had all increased their seven-, 14- and 21-day advance fares, effective immediately.

But vacationers coming to or from Bermuda are likely to escape the increases as the latest hike is only for the US domestic market.

Bermuda is considered international by the airlines and last night Delta, American Airlines and Continental all confirmed the increase would not affect the Island if it was for domestic travel only.

Passengers travelling for pleasure typically buy leisure-fare tickets which carry advance purchase requirements.

Tom Parsons, editor of Bestfares.com., said a round-trip fare on American Airlines from Dallas to Los Angeles, purchased 21 days in advance for midweek travel, rose to $484 from $465, while seven-day fares between the same cities increased to $1,030 from $990.

The increases are only for leisure fares at this point, though business fares have seen increases of three percent so far this year.