With the war in Iran driving up the global price of oil, air fares and fees are rapidly increasing ahead of the summer travel season.
Many global airlines have begun adding fuel-related fees to ticket prices, including Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which announced Wednesday it was raising its fuel fees from $140 to $200 per ticket.
Air New Zealand raised fares from the equivalent of $5.76 to $51.85, depending on the length of flights, while Thai Airways said it would raise ticket prices by 10% to 15%.
Other airlines, including Air France, Qantas and SAS, have announced new fuel surcharges, at least temporarily.
How US airlines are reacting
In America, JetBlue announced it will raise bag fees on certain routes during peak periods, such as summertime, from $40 to $49. It also said adding a checked bag within 24 hours of your flight will now cost $59.
While United Airlines has not yet raised any fees, CEO Scott Kirby warned that fares could increase by up to 20% due to the war. The carrier also cut back the number of flights it's offering during the summer months.
Some other airline leaders have also said they could cancel flights that don't generate enough revenue to offset fuel costs, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The price of fuel
The average price for jet fuel has increased more than 85% since the war with Iran began on Feb. 28 - from $2.50 to $4.64 a gallon, according to the group Airlines for America.
By contrast, gasoline prices have increased about 37% during the same period.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices continue to hover in the $100 per barrel range.
How you can save some money
If you're worried higher prices could spoil your summer vacation plans, there are things you can do to cut down costs.
First of all, book early. Prices tend to be lower the further out you book. And look for a changeable fare, so if the cost goes down, you can rebook at the lower price.
Don't forget to shop around. Using search engines, like Google Flights, can help you compare prices from multiple airlines at the same time.
If you're thinking about using points to book, ensure it's worthwhile. Sometimes taxes, fees and surcharges can make it not worth it.
Experts also say staying flexible is your best bet, whether it be for travel dates, airlines or even destination. They also say flying in August instead of June or July could save you some money, thanks to end-of-summer deals.
Related Links
LATEST POSTS
- 1
UK forecast to face weaker growth and higher inflation from Iran war - 2'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 3 premieres tomorrow. Here's what you need to know to catch up.
- 3China’s new condom tax will prove no effective barrier to country’s declining fertility rate
- 4Accor signs agreement to transform El Gouna resort as Sofitel
- 5From Amateur to Master: My Involvement in Photography
- Al-Sharaa denies he called for 80% of Syrians to return from Germany
- 21 Things You Ought to Never Tell Your Childless Companion
- The most effective method to Refresh the Infotainment Framework in the Volvo XC40
- NASA loses contact with its Maven spacecraft orbiting Mars for the past decade
- NASA's Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover listens to 'Whitey on the Moon' every Monday. This is why.
- One-third of asylum applications by Iranians approved in Germany
- Vote in favor of Your Number one Cake Type
- Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
- Instructions to Pick the Best Course for Your Next Waterway Voyage: Objections, Views, and Social Encounters
