Airfares rise after Iran war pushes jet fuel prices higher

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An Alaska Airlines Embraer ERJ-175LR, operated by Horizon Air, takes off Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at Pangborn Memorial Airport.

Travelers saw airfares rise as fuel prices increased after the United States went to war with Iran, according to multiple media outlets.

Jet fuel prices have shot up since the war started Feb. 28, from about $2.50 a gallon to $4.88 per gallon on April 2, then dropped to $4 on April 14, according to the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index on Airlines for America's website.

Meanwhile, average domestic spring airfares rose by about 10%, and summer airfares are about 17% more expensive year over year, said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the airfare deal-finding website and app Going, in a March 26 Forbes article. Fares could rise 20% if jet-fuel costs remain high because of the war in Iran, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in late March told Bloomberg TV, the article stated.

Despite higher airfare, people are still flying, according to PBS News and other outlets. In mid-March, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines reported record bookings.

Sub-$100 one-way flights between Pangborn and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are unavailable for the remainder of the year, according to current fares listed on Alaska Airlines' website.

Horizon and Alaska representatives didn't immediately return inquiries on ridership numbers.

Although travelers may pay more to depart from Pangborn Memorial Airport than from larger airports, they may have a smoother experience than passengers starting their trips at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where security lines are typically longer. Passengers with connecting flights from Pangborn generally do not need to pass through security again upon arrival at Sea-Tac.

Google Flights

Screenshot of the Google Flights Explore page with Pangborn Memorial Airport set as the departure airport shows some of the lowest one-way fares available from Wenatchee.

Booking flights

Travelers looking to book their next trip may save money by remaining flexible with travel dates. The "Explore" page on Google Flights helps users find the lowest fares from a chosen departure airport.

Using Google Explore, travelers can generate a map showing destinations and the cheapest travel dates up to six months in advance. The tool displays one-way and round-trip prices for specific date ranges and months, as well as general ranges for weekend, weeklong or two-week trips.

The map also displays the lowest fares worldwide. Travelers can enter multiple departure airports - another strategy for Wenatchee Valley-area residents willing to drive to Pasco, Seattle or Spokane to catch a flight.

Opening a travel credit card may also help travelers earn a welcome bonus of frequent flyer miles that can be redeemed for flights. Because Horizon Air, part of Alaska Air Group, is the only airline operating out of Pangborn, travelers may find the Atmos Rewards and Barclays Hawaiian Airlines credit card options especially useful after Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merged their frequent flyer programs.

For more information, visit google.com/travel/explore.

Business World editor Emily Thornton contributed to this report.

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