Why summer airfare just got more expensive—and what airlines aren’t telling you
Summer airfare is climbing fast as jet fuel prices spike 82 percent over the Iran conflict. Here’s what airlines aren’t telling you—and how to protect your trip.
IRAN CONFLICT
If Spirit Airlines gets a government bailout, bags should fly free
Spirit Airlines has reportedly asked the Trump Administration for $360 million in emergency funding as jet fuel prices doubled following the Iran conflict. After 9/11, Congress provided $5 billion in grants and $10 billion in loan guarantees to airlines. The COVID-19 Payroll Support Program delivered over $50 billion with conditions including killed change fees, capped executive pay, and restricted buybacks. Any new bailout should require Spirit to include one free checked bag in every fare for a minimum of five years, making taxpayer support deliver tangible passenger benefits.
Your airline is lying to you about fuel surcharges
Airlines sure have a funny way of saying thank you.
After you spend years obsessively funneling every purchase through their co-branded credit cards and sitting in its cramped economy class seats, you finally go to redeem your “free” flight—only to find a $1,400 bill waiting for you at checkout.
Your summer road trip just got 30 percent more expensive. Here’s how to fight back.
The war in Iran may or may not be winding down, but for millions of Americans planning a summer road trip, the damage is already done. Gas prices have blown past $4 a gallon nationally — hitting $4.081 on April 2 — and in states like California, drivers are already staring down $5.89 at the pump.
Let’s sink these antiquated shipping laws for good
After Richard Karwic left his cruise early to check on his elderly mother-in-law, he was shocked to receive a $300 fine from his cruise line.
Will an Iran war ground your travel plans?
If you’re holding a ticket to Europe or Asia, you might want to check your flight status after you finish this article. The U.S. military is massing an impressive amount of hardware in the Persian Gulf, with reports suggesting a decision to attack Iran could come within the next week.