JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The prices of airline tickets are expected to skyrocket according to data from the International Air Transport Association.

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Passengers flying in and out of Jacksonville told News4JAX that airline tickets are already expensive.

“I feel like it’s ridiculous because inflation is already raising itself,” Alecha said.

Flyers like Alecha said they’re not looking forward to what could be an expensive summer, winter, and fall.

At a meeting of airline executives in Dubai, The International Air Transport Association cited ongoing inflation, the price of jet fuel, and a global push to decarbonize the aviation industry as reasons why airline tickets increased.

Margie Jordan, who owns Jordan Executive Travel, said some older planes aren’t as eco-friendly as newer models.

“Those [older] planes still have to fly, they have to fill them and keep them in the air, so we’re seeing those price increases,” Jordan said.

She also said there’s a surprising trend when comparing the price of traveling internationally and flying within the United States.

“We’re seeing that domestic flights are actually much higher than international flights are in terms of price increases. I think that is because shortly after the pandemic, everybody was sticking closer to home and that is still the case,” Jordan said.

According to the IATA, airline revenue in 2024 reached a record high, with revenues reaching nearly $1 trillion. It anticipates that nearly 5 billion people will fly this year, costing carriers a record $936 billion in total expenses.

Data also shows that other countries are increasing the number of taxes and fees being imposed on carriers.

Travel agents said you can still find deals in this climate, but recommend booking your flight as soon as possible.

“It’s not too early to book it and now you’re gonna see those holiday fares, surge, and if you can catch a deal now, catch it and make sure your holiday plans are all taken care of early,” Jordan said.

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