Holiday airfare soaring amid higher jet fuel costs

Surging jet fuel costs, fueled in a big part by the conflict in Iran, are sending holiday airfare soaring, though experts say there are still some ways to save money. Grady Trimble breaks down the number for air travel in the months ahead. 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 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. Thank you. 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% year over year. So 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. That was Grady Trimble reporting. Airlines say they expect fares to remain high into the new year, even if fuel costs start to drop.