Airfares headed up
Air travel is trending pricier as rising jet‑fuel costs tied to the war in Iran push fares higher — analysts warn of more expensive and less convenient flying into spring and summer Flying in America is about to get more expensive and less fun. Still, there are last‑minute package deals: The Broadmoor’s Spring Getaway is 25% off suites, starting at about $380/night through May 10 if you can book flexible dates 9 of the best last-minute spring break deals, from Mexico to Hawaii.
U.S. spot jet‑fuel prices climbed to about $3.99 per gallon, up from roughly $2.50 just before the conflict escalated two weeks earlier, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index. (usnews.com) The International Air Transport Association said the Middle East conflict that escalated on Feb. 28 exposed "deep vulnerabilities" in jet‑fuel supply chains and refinery capacity. (iata.org) Carriers outside the U.S. have already begun adding fuel surcharges or lifting fares, Reuters reported on March 10 as airlines reacted to higher fuel benchmarks. (money.usnews.com) Jet fuel typically accounts for about one‑fifth or more of an airline’s operating costs—making the recent spike a material hit to margins, analysts told CNBC. (cnbc.com) United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned at a public event that the fare impact will "probably start quick" and could affect second‑quarter results if high fuel costs persist. (cnbc.com) TSA and operational strains are compounding passenger pain: a partial DHS funding lapse has coincided with TSA absences and security lines that reached as long as 3.5 hours at some airports, according to reporting on the spring‑break surge. (aeronauticsonline.com) Analysts’ estimates of the industry bill vary—Reuters calculations put an aggregate extra fuel hit to the four largest U.S. carriers at about $5.8 billion if prices stay elevated, while the Financial Times and other outlets have cited scenarios as high as roughly $11 billion in added costs. (money.usnews.com) Global markets reacted: airline shares dropped sharply this week as oil and jet‑fuel volatility raised the risk to carriers’ 2026 forecasts, according to sector trackers and market summaries. (aerotime.aero)
