How to find cheaper flights as Iran war drives up prices
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Delta Airlines plane in Schiphol, Netherlands on Jan. 1. Photo: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
As the Iran war drives up jet fuel costs, travelers are bracing for airlines to raise ticket prices — making already expensive trips feel even more daunting.
The big picture: Travelers aren't powerless against rising fares and can still find opportunities to avoid even the worst price hikes, experts say.
State of play: The price of jet fuel rose to $4.26 per gallon on Thursday, up from $2.50 the day before the war began.
- Jet fuel accounts for more than 40% of an airline's operating expenses, according to Argus Media, which could contribute to some potential price increases.
- Several international airlines, including Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong Airlines and more, have announced pricing changes — including a larger fuel surcharge cost — to account for the spike.
Yes, but: Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines have all reported record bookings in 2026, and say strong demand is helping offset higher fuel costs.
- Kayla DeLoache, public relations director at Kayak, tells Axios that data from the last two weeks compared with the same period last year shows domestic and international routes remain broadly stable.
- DeLoache said that prices are following typical seasonal patterns, particularly spring break fare increases.
Here's what to know about booking cheaper flights.
Book now
The Points Guy Sean Cudahy tells travelers to book as soon as possible to avoid rising fares, especially in June and July, which are already among the most expensive months to travel.
- Most U.S. airlines allow travelers who book anything above basic economy to change or cancel flights, making it easier to lock in prices now, he said.
- Cudahy also recommends using airline points to book, since most U.S. carriers will refund miles and fees if plans change.
While gas prices are also rising, travelers can earn credit card points on those purchases and put them toward tickets.
Use time to your advantage
Even without fuel price hikes, traveling during less popular times can lead to cheaper fares, Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish tells Axios.
Zoom out: Flights in August, for example, can be cheaper, as many families travel earlier in the summer before the next school year begins.
- Adaptability also helps. Flying at off-peak times — or having flexible travel dates— can unlock better deals. Airport choice can also lower prices, as some locations have cheaper departure fares.
- Leaving for a trip from Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, or Orlando can sometimes mean fares about 25% lower than the national average, Fish said.
- Travelers can also save up to 8% by booking flights on Fridays and up to $130 by booking domestic trips 15 to 30 days in advance, she notes.
- Using Google Flights to scout out the cheapest fares and setting alerts to monitor fare drops are other ways to save.
Go deeper: The products and services likely to surge in price due to the Iran war
