American raises fuel surcharge

American Airlines raised its fuel surcharge by $20 per round trip on many routes, just days after it failed in another attempt to raise fares.

An airline spokesman said the increase applied to domestic routes except those where the carrier competes with low-fare airlines.

Airlines are facing record prices for jet fuel. They have attempted about 19 fare increases this year, but many -- like American’s increase late last week -- failed because rival carriers declined to match them.