Family Travel Is Getting More Expensive — Here's How to Protect Your Budget

For millions of American families, a summer trip means more than just a vacation — it's an opportunity to make memories, visit loved ones, and reconnect after months of busy school schedules and work demands. But the unsettling combination of global conflict and rising fuel prices is threatening to make that dream significantly more costly this year.

The ongoing war in the Middle East is rippling across the globe in ways that are landing squarely on the budgets of everyday American families. Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel — a sharp jump from roughly $70 before the conflict began in late February. At the same time, jet fuel prices have soared from about $2.42 per gallon at the end of February to nearly $4.00 by mid-March. For airlines, that's not a small expense. According to the International Air Transport Association, fuel and oil together make up nearly 30% of what airlines spend to operate — their single biggest cost. When those costs climb, airlines don't absorb them quietly. Families do.

Why Your Tickets Could Cost More This Summer

Airlines around the world are already responding to the fuel spike. Scandinavian Airlines raised prices recently, calling the increase temporary. Air France-KLM announced it would charge more for long-haul flights. Cathay Pacific more than doubled fuel surcharges on certain routes. And here in the U.S., United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby predicted that rising fuel costs would lead to higher fares that would "probably start quick."

This isn't the first time American families have felt this kind of squeeze at the ticket counter. A similar situation unfolded in 2022 when airfare climbed in the wake of sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Even then, families kept traveling — because for most of us, the connections we build and the people we visit are simply worth the sacrifice.

Jesse Neugarten, CEO at Dollar Flight Club, put it plainly: "These rising costs are likely to be reflected in ticket prices and passed along to air travelers, especially those booking longer, international routes."

With major events like the World Cup coming to North America this summer, demand on certain routes is expected to surge even further. As Adam Morvitz, founder and CEO of point.me, explained: "Spring and summer are always peak travel seasons, and with major events like the World Cup in North America driving additional demand on certain routes, we will likely see higher ticket prices. When you have a surge of travelers competing for the same flights, prices can jump up quickly."

There is one small comfort: travel demand overall is showing some signs of strain due to economic uncertainty — meaning airlines may not be able to push prices quite as high as they might otherwise. A recent Deloitte Travel Industry Outlook noted that travel metrics could plateau, though it added that Americans across age groups and income levels still make travel a priority.

What Families Can Do Right Now

The good news is that there are practical, proven steps families can take to protect their budgets — and even stretch their travel dollars further in a time of rising costs.

Put your rewards points to work

If your family has been accumulating points or miles on a travel rewards credit card, now may be one of the best moments to use them. Morvitz offered this encouraging insight: "If cash prices increase, you're often getting even more value from your points because you're avoiding those higher fares. Some airline programs still offer relatively fixed award pricing and minimal taxes and fees, which can be especially valuable right now." A word of caution, though — some airlines are applying fuel surcharges to award tickets as well, so check the fine print before you book.

Book sooner rather than later

Waiting to book until the week before your trip can be costly. Neugarten advises booking one to three months ahead for domestic travel and two to six months out for international trips. "The closer you get to the travel date, there is more demand and less availability, which drives prices up," he said. Flexibility also pays off — setting fare alerts and being willing to depart or return on a slightly different day can sometimes make a meaningful difference in what your family pays.

Choose flexible fares

If you're booking travel for later in the year, consider selecting a fare class that allows you to change or cancel without a penalty. For instance, Delta Air Lines currently allows customers to change or cancel tickets without added fees on Main Classic fare class or higher for domestic travel and international trips departing from the U.S. Depending on the ticket type, travelers may be eligible for an eCredit or a full refund. Most major airlines offer similar flexibility, and award tickets booked with points are often flexible by nature.

Look for alternative airports

Neugarten also suggests considering airports near — but not at — your intended destination, which can sometimes offer noticeably lower fares.