PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Airline executives are cautioning travelers that airfares may soar as jet fuel prices surge due to the war in Iran.
Commuters already feeling strain at the gas pump say the possibility of higher ticket prices adds new pressure.
“People can’t afford what’s going on right now,” said Edwin Archer of Atlanta, Georgia. He added that the rising costs “are going to affect a lot of people.”
United Airlines confirmed to Action News that the spike in jet fuel prices – driven by the war in Iran – will have a “meaningful” impact on the carrier. The airline said passengers could soon feel the effects in their wallets.
Travelers like Joe Lubowitz of Fishtown worry about the added burden.
“I think anything more expensive will definitely make traveling a lot harder, especially for a family of five,” he said.
Jet fuel reached $3.88 per gallon on Friday, up more than 50 percent from the previous week, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index, which tracks global fuel prices.
Archer, who owns a business, said the increases are forcing him to reconsider his travel habits.
“As a business owner, I gotta rethink about how I travel in terms of my business. So, now I’m going to look at a lot of things I really spend on,” he said.
Travel experts say planning ahead may help.
Alexis Rich Chami, founder of Palomar Travel, a luxury travel agency based in Philadelphia, recommends booking flexible flights, “which are economy, premium, business.”
“You can purchase them (and) the price is locked in,” she said.
She added that travelers should monitor fares even after booking.
“If you notice the price going down like six months from now, call and get a price adjustment,” said Chami.
Chami said travelers should make decisions that align with their financial comfort.
“I think if you’re fortunate enough to have the funds to purchase the flights for any trips you know you want to take coming up, there is no harm in doing so,” she said.
As the conflict continues, industry experts say to expect flight disruptions. Since the start of the war, more than 20,000 flights scheduled to arrive in or depart from the Middle East have been canceled.
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