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
Most loved Web-based feature: Which Stage Do You Like - 2NASA unveils close-up pictures of the comet popping by from another star
- 3The most effective method to Consummate the Specialty of Handshaking in Business and Group environments
- 4UK clothing inflation climbs as Middle East turmoil threatens wider price rises
- 5Vote in favor of Your #1 Home Exercise Gear: Execution and Comfort Matter
- Ford Is Using a Chinese-Built Van to Fight Europe’s EV Price War
- We analyzed Philly street scenes and identified signs of gentrification using machine learning trained on longtime residents’ observations
- Satellite constellations could obscure most space telescope observations by late 2030s: 'That part of the image will be forever lost'
- A Republican elected governor in California? It's not as far-fetched as it sounds.
- Treasure trove found in Egyptian tomb solves ancient mystery
- Dear Santa: I want Botox. Why cosmetic procedures are topping holiday wish lists.
- Which Breakfast Enraptures Your Taste Buds? Vote
- FBI arrests Brian Cole Jr. in Jan. 6 pipe bomb investigation, ending 5-year hunt
- New method spots signs of Earth's primordial life in ancient rocks
