Holiday Travel Costs Soar as Jet Fuel Prices Rise to 10-Year High

Airfares hit 10-year highs due to rising jet fuel costs. Tips to save on holiday travel.

September 29, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Rising jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran have pushed domestic airfares during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to their highest levels in a decade, according to new data from Hopper.

The average round-trip ticket for U.S. flights during Thanksgiving is now $402, a $95 increase from the same time last year. For Christmas, the average round-trip fare stands at $452, up $85 compared to 2022. , domestic airfares are 31% higher than they were during the same period in 2022, driven by soaring fuel expenses.

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Hopper attributed the surge to prolonged high jet fuel prices, which have been fueled by supply disruptions in the Middle East. With oil prices climbing and airlines absorbing increased costs, travelers can expect continued elevated fares unless fuel prices stabilize. Industry experts suggest booking early, avoiding peak travel days, and considering alternative destinations to reduce costs.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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