As jet fuel prices surge, airlines are raising bag fees, cutting onboard perks and warning travelers prices may not fall anytime soon.
SEATAC, Wash. — If booking a flight lately feels more expensive — you’re not imagining it.
Airline analysts say soaring jet fuel prices are putting major pressure on airlines, and travelers are already starting to feel the impact through higher fares, rising bag fees and fewer perks onboard.
“Jet fuel is up nearly double since before the war in Iran began,” airline analyst Henry Harteveldt told KING 5.
According to Airlines for America, jet fuel now costs about $3.90 per gallon — compared to just $1.91 this time last year.
At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, some travelers told KING 5 they’re changing how they book flights because of the rising costs.
“We actually bought the airline tickets in November last year,” traveler Geri Prevedelli Laythrop said.
Others say making changes now can cost thousands.
“To change our flight to Saturday to still hang out with some friends, it was like an extra $2,000 and it was downgrading us to economy,” traveler Kyle Guerrero said.
Harteveldt says fuel normally accounts for roughly a quarter of an airline’s operating costs. Now, for some airlines, it’s much higher.
“Today, it is somewhere between 30% and 35% depending on the airline,” he said.
In its first quarter results, Alaska Airlines said it expects jet fuel to average about $4.50 per gallon this quarter — adding roughly $600 million in costs.
Harteveldt says airlines are now trying to recover those costs any way they can.
“Airlines know they can’t get all 100% of that back through higher airfares, so they try to get it in indirect ways,” Harteveldt said. “Raising the checked bag fees, charging more to reserve a seat in advance, charging more for food and beverages on the plane — any way they can, they’re going to try to get more money out of their travelers to make up for these higher fuel costs.”
Several major airlines have already raised baggage fees over the past year.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines recently announced it is cutting food and beverage service on flights shorter than 350 miles.
“It’s like less service for more price, it doesn’t make sense,” Guerrero said.
And even if jet fuel prices eventually fall, Harteveldt says travelers shouldn’t expect ticket prices to immediately follow.
“If demand is strong and jet fuel prices stay high, fares are going to stay high and perhaps get even more expensive,” he said.
For travelers hoping to save money, Harteveldt’s advice is simple: book early if you find a flight that fits your schedule and your budget.
“If you book a regular uh discounted coach fare, you, and you decide you don’t want to take the trip or you see a lower fare available later, you can cancel that reservation, get the money credited to your account, and then you redeem that credit towards the less expensive flight,” he said.
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