By Kris Van Cleave
Updated on: April 23, 2026 / 8:42 PM EDT / CBS News
As many Americans plan summer vacations, airfares are climbing. Higher oil and jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war have pushed ticket prices up, and aviation experts urge travelers to book soon.
“If you haven’t booked for this summer, get busy,” said Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. “Don’t wait, hoping that the fares are going to go down. They’re not.”
Travelers looking to save should consider departing later in the summer, when demand tends to fall and fuel prices may stabilize, Harteveldt said.
Jet fuel — about 25% to 30% of airlines’ operating costs — rose by more than $2 a gallon earlier this month and remains elevated. With operational expenses higher since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, carriers are passing some costs to customers.
As of April 13, the average domestic round-trip ticket was $358, up 18% (about $55) from a year earlier, according to Kayak. International round-trip economy fares from the U.S. averaged $1,064, an increase of about $115 over the last year.
Government data show overall airfares were up nearly 15% in March year over year. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told CBS News the carrier has raised fares 15% to 20%.
To offset fuel costs, airlines including Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United have increased bag fees, and some carriers are cutting unprofitable routes. United plans to reduce flight volume by about 5% this summer because of higher oil prices.
Edited by Alain Sherter
In:
United Airlines
Airlines