Southland travelers planning year-end trips are facing higher costs as jet fuel prices surge and airline tickets climb with them. Travel experts are urging passengers to book as early as possible and lock in plans for the busy holiday season.
Industry officials say the rise in jet fuel prices is feeding directly into airfare increases. The average price of jet fuel jumped more than 10% in just two weeks, reaching $181.46 per barrel on the 17th, up from less than $159 per barrel last month.
The International Air Transport Association said fuel prices are too high and supply remains limited, which is likely to keep pressure on ticket prices for now. Doug Shupe, a spokesman for the Automobile Club of Southern California, said fares for popular destinations are up as much as 20% from the same period last year and advised holiday travelers to budget for extra costs.
AAA added that international airfare increases are still relatively modest compared with domestic fares heading into the year-end holiday season.
Source:ABC7
