From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 30s
Oil Prices Push Airfares Higher for Holiday Travelers
Rising oil prices will increase holiday airfares, experts warn.
In brief
Rising oil prices will increase holiday airfares, experts warn. Holiday travelers face higher airfares as oil prices rise, with experts urging early bookings. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Rising Fuel Prices Impact Airfares
Rising fuel prices are pushing airfare skyward for holiday travelers.
“Rising fuel prices are pushing airfare skyward, meaning travelers will need to plan even earlier for holiday trips.”
Experts Predict 20% Airfare Increase
Joseph Schwieterman, director of DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, says fares a month from now will be at least 20% higher.
“Fares a month from now will probably be at least 20% higher than now”
AAA Reports 2% Labor Day Increase
Average airfares were about 2% higher over the Labor Day weekend than a year earlier, with some destinations up 20%.
“Average airfares were already about 2% higher over the Labor Day weekend than they were a year earlier, while fares to some of the most popular destinations were up about 20%”
United Airlines Cuts December Flights
United Airlines plans to cut several December flights that don’t make sense in a higher fuel environment.
“Mike Leskinen, chief financial officer of Chicago-based United Airlines, said the company is cutting several December flights that “don’t make sense in a higher fuel environment.””
Spirit Airlines Shutdown Affects Routes
Spirit Airlines, known for affordable pricing, shut down in May, hurting Chicago’s West Coast routes.
“This will also be the first holiday season without Spirit Airlines, which was known for its affordable pricing before shutting down in May”
Airline Adjustments Extend to 2027
United Airlines may adjust flights into the first quarter and beyond into 2027 if fuel prices remain high.
“As you look into the fourth quarter, there’ll be some flights in December that we won’t fly that we thought we were going to fly. If fuel remains high, we’ll make some adjustments into the first quarter and beyond into 2:07”
AAA Advises Early Bookings
Molly Hart, AAA Illinois spokesperson, says waiting for better deals often backfires.
“Molly Hart, spokesperson for the Illinois chapter of AAA, echoed the sentiment, adding that waiting for better deals often backfires.”
Illinois Travelers Pay More When Delayed
Nearly half of Illinois travelers who delayed booking paid more for their trips.
“According to a recent AAA travel survey, nearly half of Illinois travelers who delayed booking ultimately paid more.”
Best Booking Strategy for Travelers
Book early, consider shorter trips, and avoid traveling the Friday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving.
“His advice for Chicagoans looking for a getaway? Book early, consider shorter trips, and avoid traveling the Friday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.”
High Fares Expected to Persist
Customer demand is strong, but high fares will be a part of the holiday travel experience.
“Customer demand is strong and it’s hard to see how that’s all going to sort itself out, but we know that high fares are going to be a part of it.”
The big picture
Holiday travelers face higher airfares as oil prices rise, with experts urging early bookings.
