How to save money on flights as airlines raise prices

Major U.S. airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United, have significantly raised airfares and ancillary fees such as checked baggage charges in recent weeks, a move driven by the need to offset soaring jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. According to data from travel search engine Kayak, the average price for an international round-trip economy ticket rose to $998 as of March 30, up sharply from $774 on February 23, before the onset of the Iran conflict. This price surge is a direct response to jet fuel prices nearly doubling since late February, following Iran's actions to restrict traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz oil shipping route. The financial pressure on airlines is substantial. An analysis by Deutsche Bank suggests that if elevated fuel costs persist, airfares may need to increase by approximately $50 per one-way ticket, or about 17%. In addition to raising prices, carriers like United Airlines are trimming their flight schedules, particularly on off-peak days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to manage profitability. This reduction in capacity, experts warn, could further inflate prices by increasing demand for fewer available seats, disproportionately impacting cost-sensitive travelers who typically rely on flying during these cheaper, off-peak times. Despite the challenging environment, travel experts emphasize that strategic approaches can still yield savings for budget-conscious flyers. Key tactics include booking well in advance—typically 23-51 days before domestic flights and 49+ days for international trips—and maintaining flexibility. This flexibility can involve considering alternate travel dates, destinations (e.g., choosing Lyon over Paris), or airlines, and being open to flights with layovers, which can save an average of 22%. Furthermore, savvy travelers might explore booking separate one-way tickets instead of round-trip fares and consider 'main economy' over 'basic economy' tickets for the potential to receive future flight credits if prices drop after purchase. While airfare volatility is expected to continue even after a recent ceasefire announcement temporarily eased oil prices, experts note that higher fees may become a permanent fixture if travel demand remains strong. However, opportunities for deals persist in other parts of the travel ecosystem. Travel expert Sally French points to aggressive promotions from hotels and resorts in destinations like Las Vegas, which are offering deep discounts to attract visitors, suggesting that overall trip costs can still be managed by seeking value beyond the flight ticket itself.