Holiday Flights Stay Costly as Airlines Face Fuel Swings

Holiday tickets remain expensive as unstable jet-fuel costs complicate airline schedules and pricing. Hopper found typical round trips at $402 for Thanksgiving and $452 for Christmas, increases of 31% and 23% from last year. The company described holiday fares as the steepest in a decade. Federal data also show prices remained elevated after fuel briefly became cheaper: average tickets climbed from $405 in late 2025 to $428 early this year, then $436 during April through June.

Airlines plan capacity months ahead and sell many seats before departure, so sudden fuel increases cannot be added to tickets already purchased. United had sold roughly 35% of its fourth-quarter seats before the latest jump. That delay can keep fares high after fuel retreats because carriers need time to recover expenses. Analysts say a durable airfare decline would require fuel costs to drop and remain lower.

Carriers are also removing flights that generate weaker returns. American, United and Southwest have announced additional schedule reductions, while United removed some December service and may make more cuts in 2027 if fuel stays costly. American expects slower expansion next year. For travelers, that combination means fewer choices on some routes alongside continued pressure on holiday budgets.