As Americans gear up for their summer travels, they are noticing a significant shift in airfare prices compared to last year. While there has been an overall decrease in airline fares, certain regions and destinations are still experiencing an increase in cost. According to data from travel site Hopper, the average round-trip flight to Tokyo, Japan has seen a 2% increase, with a current cost of $1,372 for this summer. Flights to Canada, South America, and the Middle East and Africa regions have also gone up by 6%, 2%, and 1% respectively from the previous year.
Despite the general decrease in airfare prices, some specific cities within certain regions have seen a drastic surge in costs. For instance, flights to Sakata, Japan have skyrocketed by 65% to $3,196, while fares to Ipoh, Malaysia and Udon Thani, Thailand have increased by 42% and 35% respectively. This spike in prices for select Asian cities has had a significant impact on American travelers, given that Asia is the second most frequented international travel destination for them.
Factors Influencing Airfare Prices
Lead economist at Hopper, Hayley Berg, mentioned that last year was particularly expensive for international travel as a result of various factors such as pent-up demand following Covid-19 restrictions, border reopenings, and rising jet fuel prices. While some of these dynamics are still in play for certain areas, overall travelers have seen a noticeable relief in airfare prices. On average, airline fares originating in the U.S. dropped by 5.8% in the past year, with a nearly 1% decrease just in the last month. Berg expects this trend of improving prices to continue in the future.
However, despite the overall decline in airfare costs, Americans might perceive flight prices as increasing due to recent airline trends, specifically higher fees for checked bags. Major carriers like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines have raised their checked-bag fees this year, adding an extra $5 per bag. This can result in a significant inflation of the total trip cost, especially for families traveling with multiple checked bags.
Tips for Saving on Airfare Costs
While there has been a rise in checked-bag fees, there are still ways for travelers to save on airfare costs. Travel expert Sally French suggests flying with certain airlines that have more lenient policies, combining bags to reduce the number of checked items, or even opting to go without checking a bag altogether. Planning ahead is also crucial, with booking flights at least one to three months in advance for domestic trips, and three to four months ahead for international travel, proving to be a money-saving strategy.
French highlights the importance of being flexible with travel times and dates to secure cheaper airfare rates. For instance, traveling during a destination’s shoulder season rather than its peak can result in significant savings. Additionally, flying mid-week as opposed to weekends can also lead to more affordable ticket prices. Lastly, travelers should take advantage of rewards programs like frequent flier miles and perks such as travel insurance offered by certain credit cards to further cut down on costs.
While airfare prices have generally dipped for American travelers this summer, there are still pockets of destinations and airlines where prices remain high. By staying informed on pricing trends, utilizing money-saving tips, and planning ahead, travelers can ensure a more budget-friendly and enjoyable travel experience in 2024.