Air travel has seen a significant shift in the past few years due to the pandemic. With the increasing threat of new variants, travel restrictions, and the implementation of safety measures, flying has become a pricier affair. And it’s not just the added costs of health protocols- airline tickets are set to become more expensive in 2022.
One of the main reasons for the spike in prices is the rising cost of fuel. Oil prices have steadily increased since the start of this year after a slow few months due to the pandemic’s effect on demand. Airlines have to account for this increased cost of fuel in their expenses, which directly affects ticket prices.
Additionally, there is a reduction in capacity due to airline bankruptcies or mergers and an ongoing shortage of pilots. These factors have decreased competition in the airline industry. Consequently, airlines have the opportunity to increase the price of airline tickets as people start traveling again.
Besides, airlines have been offering discounts and waivers on fees to entice people to travel. These measures have been an option to keep business flowing while governments imposed travel restrictions or during off-peak seasons. With the lift of travel bans and the return of travelers, discounts are slowly reducing, resulting in a price hike.
But what can you do about these increases in airline ticket prices? Here are some ways to reduce the impact on your wallet.
1. Book in Advance: The closer you are to the travel date, the more expensive tickets become. Booking early, at least 2-3 months in advance, can save you a significant amount of money.
2. Be Flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates and destination can help you save money. Often, prices of airline tickets differ from day to day, or from season to season. If you’re willing to change your travel plan, it could lead to great savings.
3. Use Points or Miles: Airlines often offer a reward points or airmiles programs. You can accrue these points or miles through various activities and use them to redeem discounts or free tickets.
4. Look for Deals: Keep a lookout for deals on airline tickets. Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can help you compare prices and find the best deals.
5. Sign up for Newsletters: Sign up for airline newsletters to receive information about discounts, offers, and unavailable flights.
In summary, the price of airline tickets is set to increase in 2022, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your wallet. Booking in advance, being flexible, using points or miles, looking for deals, and subscribing to newsletters are some ways you can save money while traveling.
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