Translation result.
[Herald Economy=Reporter Kim Young-chul] Fighting in Iran has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices higher and pushing airfares up—leaving travelers feeling the pinch.
On the 9th (local time), CNBC reported that airlines are responding to spiking jet-fuel costs by raising fares, hiking checked-bag fees, adding fuel surcharges and trimming flight schedules.
Within a month of the conflict, international round-trip fares rose by about 297,100 KRW (approximately $223), as carriers passed higher fuel costs on to passengers.
Travel search engine Kayak says that as of the 30th of last month, the average round-trip economy international fare climbed to $998 from $774 on Feb. 23, before the conflict began. Average domestic fares increased from $336 to $350.
Still, there are plenty of ways travelers can trim costs despite the recent price surge.
Booking quickly can protect you from further price hikes. Google Flights data shows domestic fares tend to be cheapest 23–51 days before departure, while international fares are generally cheapest at least 49 days out, and prices usually climb as the flight date approaches.
Katie Nastro, a travel expert at high-inflation deal site Going, warns that “last-minute bargains are less likely these days. If a fare fits your budget, book it.” She adds, “The only predictable move is to lock in a low fare when you see it.”
Buying two one-way tickets at the cheapest available fares instead of a single round-trip ticket can also save money. For example, a round-trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas might list at $50, but buying a one-way to Vegas for $20 and a one-way back to L.A. for $20 would total $40—a 20% saving, experts note.
Lourdes Rosada, Skyscanner’s Americas director, says, “Many assume round-trips are cheaper, but sometimes the lowest fares come from purchasing two separate one-way tickets.”
You can also find cheaper options by flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or by traveling in shoulder seasons or off-peak times—think early to mid-June or late August instead of peak July—to reduce costs.
Being flexible about dates, destinations and airlines pays off. Rosada notes that flexibility not only unlocks discounts but also opens the door to cities you might not have considered. “In France, try Lyon or Marseille instead of Paris; in the Netherlands, consider Eindhoven or Rotterdam rather than Amsterdam; in Japan, think Fukuoka or Sapporo instead of Tokyo.”
Finally, searching for connecting flights instead of nonstop routes can cut costs—Google Flights data shows connections average about 22% cheaper. But CNBC cautions that this year’s Iran conflict and recent U.S. military activity near Venezuela have increased delays and cancellations, so travelers should be prepared for some schedule risk.
Most Commented