The "first major [airfare] hike attempt of 2009 will stick," according to FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney

. Southwest Airlines and other major carriers followed a widespread $20 domestic roundtrip fare increase initiated by Delta Air Lines and US Airways, Seaney wrote on his Web site. "It appears this hike, along with a slowdown in domestic airfare sales, is the first sign the bottom is near" and, given rising oil prices, does "not bode well for consumers." He also noted a "dramatic slowing" in international airfare discounting, "which could be a sign that the bottom may be near for those airlines with extensive international networks.