Airlines cut flights, raise fares as fuel costs climb. Here’s how to save when booking

Fewer flights and higher ticket prices are shaping up to be the reality for travelers heading into the busy summer season — and airlines say rising fuel costs are a major reason why.

Major U.S. carriers told NBC10 Responds they are closely monitoring fuel prices and travel demand with some already making changes that could limit options for flyers.

Airlines say the combination of higher fuel costs and shifting demand means tough decisions ahead — and in some cases, fewer flight options for passengers.

American Airlines said it is watching fuel and demand over the next four to six weeks and will “make capacity adjustments accordingly.”

United Airlines said it has taken immediate action to “mitigate the impact of the operational disruptions and rising fuel costs,” including reducing its total seat capacity by roughly 3% during lower-demand times. That includes red-eye flights and less popular travel days like Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Delta Air Lines said, “As part of our regular schedule updates, we’ve made adjustments across a small number of routes.”

Lower capacity is only part of the equation driving up costs.

“We’ve seen airlines raise fares anywhere between 10 and 20, even 30% on some routes. We’re also seeing higher bag fees. So that’s another way for the airlines to recap some of the losses from higher fuel prices. And then we’re also seen fuel surcharges added onto some tickets,” Clint Henderson of The Points Guy said. “Even if the Strait of Hormuz was to miraculously reopen tomorrow, it would take months to get things back to normal. So I do not anticipate that things will get better before the holidays. That’s why I am saying to people go ahead and book now because I think it’s only up from here.”

He said those higher prices could extend beyond summer travel into the winter holidays and even spring break next year.

Despite the rising costs, Henderson said travelers still have ways to save money.

Booking vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels and rental cars could save families up to 40%. Some airlines also offer trip credits if ticket prices drop after booking, though that typically does not apply to basic fares.

Travelers with flexible schedules may also find cheaper options by adjusting departure dates or destinations and using price tracking tools like Google Flights.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.