Flying is cheaper in 2024. But not for some destinations

While airline fares in the U.S. have generally decreased, certain destinations like Tokyo, Canada, South America, and the Middle East and Africa have seen price increases. For instance, a round-trip to Tokyo costs $1,372, marking a 2% rise from 2023. Similarly, fares to specific cities in Asia and major hubs in South America have also surged.

Despite the overall drop in airfare prices, travelers face higher costs for some international destinations due to various factors including increased demand and higher jet fuel prices. To manage spending, experts suggest booking flights well in advance, being flexible with travel plans, and minimizing extra fees such as those for checked baggage.

In 2024, major U.S. airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines have raised their fees for checked bags34. The increase is generally around $5 more per bag. This adjustment in baggage fees is part of a broader trend where airlines are trying to manage rising operational costs, such as fuel prices and labor costs, which have been impacting their profitability.

The impact of these increased fees on overall travel costs can be significant, especially for families or individuals traveling with multiple bags. While the base fare for flights might not have increased substantially, the additional costs from higher baggage fees can inflate the overall expense of traveling. This can lead to a higher total travel cost for consumers, who may feel the pinch of these fees particularly during round trips or extensive travel plans. As a result, travelers might need to budget more carefully or seek alternative ways to reduce travel expenses, such as flying with airlines that have lower or no checked bag fees, packing lighter to avoid checking bags, or taking advantage of airline credit card perks that offer free checked bags135.