Domestic airfare costs decrease, international ticket prices increase ahead of summer travel
Summer is nearly a month away, which means it’s almost time for the start of the summer travel season. If you haven’t yet booked your flight for a getaway, there is new information that may inform where you decide to go.
Travel Pulse reports that airfare for Americans booking domestic flights will be cheaper compared to last summer. Data from travel booking app Hopper shows that the average price for a U.S. domestic flight will be around $306, a $70 decrease from 2022. Prices are expected to climb near Independence Day, where they are anticipated to be $349.
On the other hand, however, prices for international flights are slated to be costlier than expected. In fact, Travel Pulse reports that tickets for international travels are projected to be the highest they have been since 2019. Prior to the pandemic, ticket prices for a trip to Europe were, on average, $861. Now, prices have increased to $1,100. Other average prices include $1,800 per ticket for Asian trips, $1,454 for Africa or the Middle East and $1,709 for Australia and surrounding nations. All of these prices are up $200-600 from years prior.
Hopper states that increasing jet fuel prices, increased demand, and popular destinations dropping travel restrictions pertaining to COVID are all reasons why ticket prices are rising.
“Though fuel costs have improved considerably in the last 15 months, prices remain the highest they’ve been since late 2014,” Hopper economist Hayley Berg said to Travel Pulse. “Higher fuel costs will continue to put upward pressure on airfares, especially on expensive long haul international routes.”
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published May 16, 2023 at 8:05 AM with the headline "Domestic airfare costs decrease, international ticket prices increase ahead of summer travel."