Summer Travel May Get More Expensive Due to the Middle East War-What Travelers Should Know

"Any disruption to Hormuz is meaningful to airlines. Additionally, summer travel demand and refineries transitioning to summer-blend fuels already create seasonal upward price pressure. The impact of higher fuel prices, however, may take some time to show up in the prices consumers pay."

"It's not something to worry about in the immediate because there's too many unknowns. One, we don't know how long this is going to last. Two, airlines can eat some of this cost for a little while. Now is a sweet spot for the advance purchase of summer travel airline tickets in order to lock in the best price before demand increases."

"About 15 to 20 percent of aviation fuel typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which sits between Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The national average price for a gallon of gas was $3.58, according to AAA. The company noted these prices have similarly been impacted by the war."

Geopolitical tensions in Iran and the Middle East are expected to drive up travel expenses this summer through increased oil prices. Approximately 15-20 percent of aviation fuel passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption significant for airlines. Combined with seasonal summer travel demand and refineries transitioning to summer-blend fuels, upward price pressure on fuel is anticipated. While higher airline ticket prices may take time to materialize, travel experts recommend booking summer flights now to lock in current rates before prices increase. Gasoline prices have similarly risen, with the national average at $3.58 per gallon, comparable to price increases seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in March 2022.

Read at Travel + Leisure