# Airfares Surge 27% as Fuel Costs Soar and Spirit Airlines Collapses

_May 13 13:30_

Tags: Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Amsterdam, Dublin, Europe, London, Milan, Paris, Rome, U.S.

Summer domestic airfares are up 27% and award prices up nearly 25% year-over-year due to soaring fuel costs and Spirit Airlines' collapse. International fares to Europe have spiked even higher

## Summary

Summer round-trip domestic economy cash fares are roughly 27% higher than last year, with award pricing up nearly 25%, according to Points Path data. International fares are seeing sharper spikes: London is up nearly 45%, Milan 38%, Paris and Rome at least 22%, and Dublin/Amsterdam up to 30%. The surge is driven by the U.S.-Israel war in Iran snarling global oil traffic, raising jet fuel costs, and the recent collapse of Spirit Airlines, which had kept industry fares in check. United Airlines has signaled that higher ticket prices may be permanent. Additionally, checked bag fees hiked in recent weeks are expected to remain. For bookings made 21-35 days in advance, cash fares are up 33% and award prices up 28% year-over-year

## Why it matters

Affects 7 airline programs (Air France-KLM, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines...). Card-issuer angle via Bilt.

## Sources cited

- [The Points Guy](https://thepointsguy.com/news/summer-airfare-surge-inflation-tips-booking-flights) — Bargain era over: Airfares up a whopping 27% as fuel costs soar (See our booking tips)

## Related signals

- [United takes first A321neo Coastliner for early 2027 transcon service](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-s-posh-new-coastliner-plane-is-here-set-for-early-2027-debut.md)
- [United will fly LAX and SFO to Traverse City from June 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-airlines-gives-traverse-city-michigan-its-first-ever-nonstops-to-californ.md)
- [United Starlink blanks seatback screens on some 737-900s](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/why-your-seatback-screen-may-be-dark-on-your-next-united-airlines-flight.md)
- [United will resume Houston to Chihuahua from March 28, 2027](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/united-s-newest-international-destination-chihuahua-mexico.md)
- [Targeted: 20% United-to-Marriott transfer bonus through Nov 30](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/one-month-only-transfer-united-mileageplus-miles-to-marriott-bonvoy-points-with.md)

Older: [British Airways Ends Best Price Guarantee Program](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/british-airways-ends-best-price-guarantee-program.md)
Newer: [Delta Passes on Starlink for Amazon Leo Inflight Wi-Fi: Strategic Blunder?](https://thetravelsignal.com/s/delta-passes-on-starlink-for-amazon-leo-inflight-wi-fi-strategic-blunder.md)

Canonical URL: https://thetravelsignal.com/s/airfares-surge-27-as-fuel-costs-soar-and-spirit-airlines-collapses