Southwest Airlines is using new revenue management tools in a fight against lower-cost competition. For travel buyers, the impact could be fewer low airfares from Southwest and, in turn, its big three U.S. rivals.
Already there are signs pointing to fare hikes during the second half of this year. Fuel prices are up, prompting some airlines to slow capacity growth, and demand is strong.
Southwest long has had the most influence on U.S. domestic fares. Its previous reservations system had limited capabilities. The new one from Amadeus provides more . . .