Holiday travel prices soaring due to nationwide fuel costs

Fox - Fox 9
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Oct 29, 2026
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Video Summary
AI GeneratedHoliday travel costs are surging due to sky-high fuel prices and increased demand. Airfares for Thanksgiving and Christmas have risen significantly compared to last year, prompting some travelers to switch to driving. While airlines are increasing fees and cutting flights to offset costs, experts suggest flexibility with travel dates to find potential savings.
And as fuel prices remain sky-high,
officials warn the holiday travel could be more expensive
than in years past. But there is a small glimmer of hope, though.
Experts say there are still some
ways to save money. Fox's Grady Trimble has more tonight.
If you plan on traveling over the
holidays, you may want to book your trip soon.
Airfare is at its highest level in more than a
decade. According to booking app Hopper,
the average domestic round trip for Thanksgiving
giving is up about 39% from last year.
Christmas tickets are even more expensive at $452 for a
domestic trip on average, up about 22% from last year.
And for some passengers, the higher costs
are already impacting their plans.
We're going to drive back up here from Raleigh, so not too
long a drive, but we don't want to spend the money on two flights.
Government data shows airfare has
been on the rise for 10 straight months as the war
in Iran causes jet fuel prices to climb.
To deal with the rising operating costs,
airlines are also cutting flights and tacking on fees.
We've seen jet fuel jump by 50, 75, 80 percent year over year.
So, you know, eventually the airlines
are going to pass it along to the consumers.
That's what you're seeing now, but not only in higher ticket prices
for airfare, but also in higher baggage fees.
But carriers are also adding more capacity on some routes
this holiday season, a sign that demand is still strong.
And if you're looking to book right now,
experts say the key is to keep your options open.
Be flexible with your travel dates.
If you can travel on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, or you add plus
or minus a day to your request, you are likely going to save money.
Airlines say they expect fares to remain high into the new year,
even if fuel costs start to drop.
In Chicago, Grady Trimble, Fox Business.
