Fuel prices are soaring, and with them, airfares. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has pushed up global oil prices, affecting airline operations and travel costs. To avoid fuel surcharges and higher airfares, experts recommend staying flexible with travel dates, tracking fare deals, booking directly with airlines, and choosing early nonstop flights.
A survey by Global Rescue found that 85% of Americans are worried that global conflicts could delay or disrupt their travel plans. With domestic flight prices 18% higher than last year and international airfare prices up 7.5%, travelers are facing a complex situation.
Travel expert Katy Nastro suggests using travel apps like Skyscanner, Hopper, Kayak, and Google Flights to get fare alerts and book the cheapest flights. She also recommends booking flights directly with airlines, rather than third-party websites, to make it easier to change or rebook flights after delays or cancellations.
Additionally, travelers can reduce waiting times at airport security lines by enrolling in TSA PreCheck or using CLEAR+, which uses fingerprints or facial scans to verify identities and allows travelers to move to the front of security lines.
By following these tips, travelers can make their summer travel less costlier and less stressful.
