Summer airfare surge

Summer flight prices are starting to climb, and the sharpest increases are showing up on long-haul trips for June and early July. (washingtonpost.com) The Washington Post reported on April 22 that travelers should book “as soon as possible” for the first half of peak summer season, with Europe and Asia expected to see the biggest pressure. The advice was more measured for later summer dates, when fares can still move around. (washingtonpost.com) United Airlines gave the clearest warning on April 22. Chief executive Scott Kirby said fares may need to rise by about 15 percent to 20 percent to offset higher jet fuel costs, and the carrier said it had already pushed through five fare increases late in the first quarter. (usatoday.com) (mensjournal.com) United has also raised baggage fees this month while fuel costs climb. CNBC reported on April 2 that United increased checked-bag fees as the industry dealt with a jump of more than 80 percent in jet fuel prices. (cnbc.com) The price squeeze is landing hardest on overseas flying because long-haul routes burn more fuel and have fewer easy substitutes than a domestic hop. That is why recent coverage has focused on Europe and Asia itineraries rather than short U.S. routes. (washingtonpost.com 1) (washingtonpost.com 2) Airlines are trying to pass those costs on while demand is still holding up. In March, Kirby said booked revenue was up 20 percent from a year earlier and that demand had “not taken even a tiny step back,” even as fuel prices surged. (mensjournal.com) (cnbc.com) Travel advice is shifting with that backdrop. Men’s Journal, citing CNBC, pointed readers to the “21-day rule,” while The Post’s guidance was simpler: if you want Europe or Asia in the first half of summer, waiting is now a gamble. (mensjournal.com) (washingtonpost.com) The next test is whether travelers keep paying. If they do, higher summer fares are likely to stick through the busiest weeks instead of fading after the spring booking rush. (usatoday.com) (reuters.com)