Demand is high, and supply is finite. Airline ticket prices have been climbing steadily, leaving many travelers frustrated as they try to navigate rising costs. Whether you’re flying for business or planning a vacation, airfare can now take a significant chunk out of your budget. In this post, we’ll explore the key factors driving up costs and share strategies to help you save on your next trip.
Rising Fuel Costs
One of the primary reasons for the increasing cost of airline tickets is the fluctuation in fuel prices. Fuel accounts for about 20-30% of an airline’s total operating costs, so when oil prices surge, airlines face increased expenses, which are often passed along to passengers in the form of fuel surcharges or higher ticket prices.
High Demand During Peak Seasons
Flights during peak travel times like holidays or summer vacations often cost significantly more due to higher demand. Limited seats and increased competition among travelers allow airlines to charge a premium. Flights during Christmas and Thanksgiving can cost 25-50% more than similar routes in off-peak months, so it is essential to book early.
Airline Fees and Service Costs
Another factor contributing to the high cost of airline tickets are the many additional ancillary fees imposed by airlines to boost profits, charging for services such as:
Checked baggage: $30-$50 per bag on average.
Seat selection: Up to $100 for premium options.
In-flight meals or entertainment: $10-$30 per purchase.
These extras, when added to a ticket’s base price, can make flying significantly more expensive. Make sure to research airlines and the benefits of low-cost carriers.
Reduced Airline Competition
Consolidation within the airline industry has reduced the number of carriers on many routes. With fewer competitors, airlines can maintain higher prices without pressure to undercut rivals. This is especially evident on popular routes where there are fewer options available. In areas where low-cost carriers once provided affordable alternatives, travelers now face fewer budget-friendly flight options.
For instance, in the U.S., four major airlines—American, Delta, United, and Southwest—control over 80% of domestic air travel. Consumers are usually paying the price for this, with satisfaction surveys for the biggest U.S. airlines resulting in relatively low scores. However, this monopoly on the skies is one reason why airline tickets are so expensive: when you only have four major options, you don’t have much of a choice but to pay what they demand.
Increased Operational Costs
Airlines are constantly dealing with rising operational costs, from maintaining their fleets to adhering to stricter safety regulations. Additionally, airports charge airlines various fees, such as landing and gate fees, which are passed on to passengers in the form of higher ticket prices. These operational costs, along with inflation, contribute to the overall increase in airfare prices.
The Impact of Global Events
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic left lasting effects on the airline industry. Example: massive amounts of debt. Airlines grounded fleets, laid off staff, and reduced flight frequencies. As demand rebounded, airlines faced staffing shortages and logistical bottlenecks, driving up fares.
How to Save on Expensive Flights
Book in Advance
Last-minute flights are always going to be a lot more expensive than ones you’ve booked way ahead of time. Airlines typically offer the best prices 1-3 months before domestic travel and 3-6 months before international trips. This isn’t always possible in cases of emergencies, but if you’re planning to travel for big ticket holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, booking as soon as your holiday plans are locked in is crucial for saving money during this extra-busy travel season.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Unless you absolutely need to arrive and leave on a specific date, you’ll save on airfare by being a bit more flexible with your travel dates. Avoid peak travel days like weekends or holidays. If you’re unsure, you can use fare calendars on booking sites to identify cheaper midweek options.
Use Price Comparison Tools
You’re not on your own when it comes to finding the best airline prices! Several different price-comparison tools have cropped up over the years to help you pit prices against each other to make sure you’re getting the best deal you possibly can when it’s time to fly.
Skyscanner: Allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines, search “cheapest month,” and set alerts for price drops.
Expedia: Offers bundled deals for flights, hotels, and car rentals, and includes a loyalty program for discounts and rewards.
Leverage Airline Sales and Loyalty Programs
Being privy to sales and discounts during travel seasons is one of the best ways to get those steeper discounts. Look for seasonal sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, and sign up for emails from your favorite airlines to find out when they’re releasing sales.
If you’re a big flyer, there is actually some merit to signing up for those membership programs they poke and prod you about every time you try to book a flight. Join frequent flyer programs to earn points and access exclusive deals.
Consider Budget Airlines
While budget carriers may charge for extras, their base fares are often significantly cheaper. Lines like Spirit or Frontier are going to give you a bare-bones experience, but you’ll also pay bare-bones prices. If you’re not afraid to fly frill-free, budget airlines can save you a great deal in the long run – as long as you don’t have too much baggage, in which cases they wind up being about as much as other commercial flights.
So, why are airlines so expensive?
The rising cost of airfare is due to a combination of factors: volatile fuel prices, high demand, reduced competition, and growing operational costs. While these challenges make cheap flights harder to find, knowing the reasons behind the increase can help you make smarter decisions.
Plan ahead, explore different flight options, and you can find affordable ways to fly without breaking the bank.