AIRLINES

United Airlines to Boost Fares: The carrier said it will raise fares by 2% nationwide next month. The announcement of a fare hike by the nation’s second-biggest airline could portend improved profits for airlines plagued by a slump in travel. The increase is the second this year and a sharp departure from 1991, when carriers waged fare wars to lure price-sensitive consumers. Chicago-based United said the increase will take effect March 3. The last rise, also 2%, came in January. Other carriers, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines Inc., said they were studying the move.