- US airfares rose about 25pc this summer compared with 2025.
- Thanksgiving tickets average $389 (€332) up 39pc on last year.
- Christmas fares average $452 (€386) up 22pc.
- The four largest airlines spent $6.3bn (€5.38bn) more on fuel in Q3.
- United chief executive Scott Kirby noted pricing is likely to remain firm.
US airfares rose about 25pc this summer compared with 2025 driven by higher jet fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and tracking reported by CNN Business.
Major carriers expect elevated pricing to continue into the holiday season and possibly beyond. Thanksgiving tickets are averaging $389 (€332) up 39pc on last year while Christmas period fares average $452 (€386) up 22pc.
The four largest airlines spent $6.3bn (€5.38bn) more on fuel in the third quarter than a year earlier. United chief executive Scott Kirby noted pricing is likely to remain firm. Domestic and international flights rose sharply over the summer months with year-over-year airfares up roughly 23pc to 25pc through September.
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East severely impacted oil and aviation kerosene markets pushing spot jet fuel prices well over $4.50 (€3.84) per gallon. Major US carriers including United, Delta, American and Southwest reported billions of dollars in added fuel expenses prompting carriers to raise ticket prices, increase baggage fees and scale back capacity.
