Airfares for the upcoming holiday travel season have reached their highest levels in at least a decade, according to recent data from the travel-booking company Hopper. Domestic round-trip tickets for Thanksgiving travel are averaging 31% more than last year, with some Christmas flights up 23%, reflecting a significant increase in travel costs for consumers.
Rising jet fuel prices have been a major factor driving these fare hikes. Since February, the average monthly spot price for jet fuel has nearly doubled, currently hovering around $4.50 per gallon—an increase of approximately 91%. The surge in energy costs comes amid ongoing disruptions to global crude oil supply and production linked to the Iran War, which have contributed to a tighter market for carriers.
Jet fuel constitutes one of the largest operating expenses for airlines, and they expect to pay tens of billions of dollars more this year compared to 2025. To offset these elevated costs, several major U.S. carriers, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have implemented fare increases of around $10 per domestic leg.
Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian indicated that the company’s primary customer base—the wealthier top 40% of U.S. households—is generally able to absorb these price rises. Speaking during a recent earnings call, Bastian noted steady consumer demand and limited resistance to fare increases, which he described as positive signs for the airline’s outlook.
Despite the high prices, there are opportunities for travelers to manage costs through timing and flexibility. Hopper economists advise that booking flights three to five weeks in advance of Thanksgiving can result in more affordable fares. Additionally, avoiding peak travel days, such as Nov. 29—the Sunday after Thanksgiving—can save more than $250 on some routes. However, many travelers consider holiday journeys essential and may lack the flexibility to adjust their travel dates.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that airfare prices, as measured in the consumer price index, hit a seasonally adjusted record high in September. Prices rose 1.2% from August and were up 22.4% from September 2025. This upward trend underscores the broader inflationary pressures on travel costs affecting millions of holiday-bound Americans nationwide.
As airlines navigate elevated fuel expenses and robust demand during the busiest travel window of the year, fare increases are likely to remain a significant factor for consumers planning trips over Thanksgiving and Christmas.