Airline Bookings Surge as Travelers Rush to Lock In Fares

US airlines are enjoying some of the strongest booking trends in the industry’s history as travelers snap up tickets before rising fuel costs drive up fares.

Delta Air Lines Inc. now expects sales to grow in the high single digits through March, after previously guiding for a range of 5% to 7% growth. American Airlines Group Inc., meanwhile, said revenue in the quarter will rise more than 10% — a record for the company — even as more-expensive fuel pushes earnings projections to the more pessimistic end of its range.