✈ We Ran the Numbers on Summer Airfare — Here’s What We Found, 10 Hacks From Very Frequent Flyers & More From TPG ✈

April 9, 2026

My summer flight will cost HOW much?

by Sean Cudahy, Senior aviation reporter

Filled up your gas tank lately? You’ve probably had sticker shock. Unfortunately, it’s a similar story for air travel.

For weeks, we’d been hearing airfare would spike as global oil prices surged.

Finally, we have some hard numbers to share with you. And yes … it’s as bad as we feared.

With oil (and jet fuel) prices up in a big way, expect to pay more for your summer flights.

What to know — starting with the bad news:

You might be thinking, “Fares too high? I’ll just use miles!” But be warned: We’re not loving some of the award pricing we’re seeing, either.
Some airlines are even tacking “fuel surcharges” onto tickets — and yes, you have to pay them even if you’re using miles.
Found a decent fare? Check the baggage fee. Several carriers have already hiked these.
And, if you loved Southwest Airlines’ old “bags fly free” policy, this week’s news probably stings.

Now, to our tips to find a deal in 2026:

If you’re hoping to fly this summer, pick your travel day wisely. We’ve ranked the days of the week from cheapest to priciest.
Also choose your travel month wisely. There’s one month of summer that’s a lot cheaper than the others.
Consult one of our favorite award search tools to figure out which airline you should book with.
And before you check any bags, check the math. Getting an airline credit card might be a better move than paying for the whole family to check bags.

Want to know more? Check out these articles:

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Photo Credit: DRAGON CLAWS/GETTY IMAGES.

Deal alert! Fly premium economy to England from just 9,000 points

Whether you’re looking for a British escape or just want a jumping-off point to somewhere else in Europe, this is an incredible opportunity to cross the Atlantic in a comfy, roomy, deeper-recline seat (with top-notch food and amenities, to boot).

Right now, you can score Virgin Atlantic’s premium economy seats for as little as 10,500 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points, or just 9,000 Citi points when you take advantage of the current 30% transfer bonus!

Check it out

Today’s top stories

10 of our favorite travel hacks from very frequent flyers

Learn how to get more space in coach, how to snag an empty middle seat, what to pack and more.

American Airlines hikes bag fees, adds tough new basic economy restrictions

American Airlines became the latest to hike checked bag fees as the industry grapples with rising prices. The carrier also tightened its basic economy policies.

Better together: The ultimate guide to the best credit card combinations

Create an ideal credit card combination that offers everything you need to maximize your award travel strategy.

Can you pay your rent or mortgage with a credit card? Everything you need to know

Yes, you can, and there are several options. Here's a look at the positives and negatives of each.

Hilton American Express card offers worth up to 200,000 bonus points

A look at the current welcome offers on the Hilton Honors Amex cards.

The latest

1.	The best credit cards to maximize your rewards

2.	What to know about applying for and using a US credit card as an expat

3.	Summer sticker shock: Airfare up 15% as high jet fuel costs take hold

4.	6 ways the Sapphire Reserve cards make international travel even better

5.	Citi expands premium dining series with The Supper Club for Strata Elite Card holders

6.	Southwest hikes bag fees less than a year after ending ‘bags fly free’

7.	Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: How to earn and redeem points, elite status and more

8.	Are you eligible for a new Marriott Bonvoy card? This chart tells you yes or no

9.	Airline award unicorn: How I booked Qantas first class (and what it was like)

10.	Delta Air Lines becomes latest US carrier to hike checked bag fees

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