Rising jet fuel prices and how it could affect the cost of flights

Gas prices have continued to rise globally and it’s required us to dig a little deeper into our pockets. But could it force us to also shell out more for flights?

The cost of jet fuel has risen alongside prices at the pump following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month.

Flight costs have remained low to average recently, but experts in the airline industry say they are starting to see things climb.

“Yes, we’ve definitely seen some increases in airline tickets. You know just when we’re booking air only, say to go with a package, or a hotel, or a cruise to match up with that, we are seeing increases there for sure,” said CEO and Founder of the Travel Lady Agency, Lesley Keyter.

And while the prices may continue to rise, Keyter says it’s likely not going to stop people from hitting ‘book’ after waiting two years to travel again.

WATCH: As travel measures ease across Canada, travel agents are seeing more people who are eager to finally hop on a plane again.  

“I don’t think it’s going to make a big difference to quell the demand that people feel for travel,” she explained. “You know, after two years, person after person who’s coming to my office to book something, they said, ‘I don’t care where I go, I just want to get on an airplane.'”

She says people who aren’t travelling recreationally, say for bereavement reasons, are best to call the airlines directly as some airlines will offer special rates for bereavement.

CityNews reached out to both WestJet and Air Canada on the possibility of prices rising along with the cost of jet fuel.

Read more:

• WestJet airlines to buy Sunwing as travel market heats up

• Canada eases international travel restrictions for fully vaccinated

WestJet responded, saying it has not increased fares, and no changes have been made to pricing in response to rising fuel costs.

“Our inventories are automated to adjust based on demand and prices can increase due to demand for flights being higher than the supply. We currently have no fuel surcharge in place, we are of course monitoring conditions but have made no decisions at this time,” WestJet said in a statement.

Should prices rise, Keyter says there are some things you can do to try and ease the pain on your wallet, including making some adjustments to your travel plans.

“Take a look around I mean, there might be places that are a bit closer to home,” she explained. “For example, a lot of people in Mexico like to go down to Cancun. If you maybe do Los Cabos, a shorter flight might be more reasonable.”