High Airfares Could Stick Around Even If Jet Fuel Prices Fall

High airfares may persist despite falling jet fuel prices, as airlines adjust schedules and prices for the remainder of the year.

Editorial Desk

September 28, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Las Vegas, United States — High airfares could remain elevated even if jet fuel prices decline, according to major U.S. airlines and industry analysts. The fluctuating cost of jet fuel has made it difficult for airlines to plan ahead and lower ticket prices.

The price of jet fuel rose sharply after the Iran war began and then fell in the spring before surging again during the summer. Despite these fluctuations, average airfares have remained high. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that the average fare, not including optional fees, increased from $405 in the last three months of 2025 to $436 in the April-June period of this year.

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Airlines typically decide several months in advance how many flights to operate and seats to offer, factoring in expected fuel costs and other expenses. This means that even if fuel prices drop, airfares may not decrease immediately. Travelers are already encountering the highest airfares in a decade, with round-trip domestic fares averaging $402 for Thanksgiving and $452 for Christmas, according to travel-booking company Hopper.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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