Jet fuel prices are driving up the cost of air travel, with summer airfares already jumping. The average ticket has hit $465, and according to the flight information group OAG, that is the highest price point for spring break since 2019.
Jet fuel prices in the U.S. have surged 85% since the day before the war began in February, hitting a record $4.62 a gallon on Monday, according to Argus data published by Airlines for America.
While some airlines are partially protected from sudden price spikes through fuel hedging — a strategy that locks in fuel prices months or even years in advance — Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, said most U.S. carriers no longer use this practice. As a result, airlines are forced to pass some of those expenses on to passengers.
Watch: Save money with these travel tips from frequent flyers:
As airlines drop routes and raise airfares, TMJ4 headed to Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport to meet with avid travelers who shared a few tricks to help you enjoy a trip on a budget.
Linda Galica, a former travel agent and airport ramp agent, is traveling to New York with a tour group. To lock in a low price, she booked her ticket in October.
"We're especially going to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 museum, and the monument," Galica said.
Galica said she is definitely willing to trade convenience for cost.
"The days that you can actually travel make a big difference. Everybody travels on Mondays and Fridays, especially business people, so if you can do any other days that works best," Galica said.
Travel experts say a few tweaks, like comparing similar destinations or skipping a checked bag, can also make a trip more affordable.
Brandon Brown is a frequent flyer who travels between Atlanta and Milwaukee about five times a year.
"Checking a bag is what, $60 now? That's crazy. So yeah, pack light," Brown said.
Brown is also planning for an upcoming bachelor trip and said being open to a layover, using a 'Buddy Pass' via a friend or family member, and cashing in loyalty miles can help lower ticket prices.
"I'm getting miles with Delta and getting miles with Southwest because they're the only two people I fly with now," Brown said.
Driving isn't always an option, but if you are hitting the road for a spring break trip, you will be paying more. Currently, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is at $4.08, up from $2.99 a month ago. In Wisconsin, the average per gallon is $3.79.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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