economy

Planning to fly this summer? Book now before prices surge, airline experts say.

Updated on: April 24, 2026 / 9:32 AM EDT / CBS News

Planning to fly this summer? Book now before prices surge, airline experts say.

TL;DR

  • Airfares have jumped due to higher oil and jet fuel costs stemming from the Iran war.
  • Experts advise booking summer travel plans quickly as prices are likely to stay elevated.
  • Average domestic round-trip flights cost $358 as of April 13, up 18% from a year ago.
  • International economy round-trip flights from the U.S. have increased by an average of $115 over the last year.
  • Airlines are increasing ticket prices, bag fees, and cutting routes to offset rising fuel costs.
  • Travelers can set price alerts on tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Points Path to track fares even after booking.