Rising Oil Costs Hike Jet Fuel and Airline Ticket Prices

Experts say higher crude oil prices are driving up costs for private pilots and commercial airlines alike.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gas prices have risen across the board, and experts say travelers are seeing the impact in higher airline ticket prices. Torque Flight Training pilot Joe Nielsen has seen his jet fuel costs spike from $5.17 to $6.39 per gallon since the conflict with Iran began. AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson expects jet fuel and airfare prices to remain high, potentially impacting summer travel as people book tickets months in advance.

Why it matters

The rise in oil and jet fuel prices comes as the travel industry is still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Higher costs could price some travelers out of the market and force airlines to raise fares, potentially dampening the rebound in air travel.

The details

Nielsen, a private pilot, has seen his jet fuel costs rise dramatically in recent weeks, from $5.17 per gallon to $6.39. AAA expects these higher fuel costs to be passed on to consumers booking commercial flights, potentially impacting summer travel plans as people purchase tickets months in advance. The rising costs are attributed to the increase in crude oil prices, which have fluctuated since the conflict with Iran began.

  • Nielsen's jet fuel costs spiked from $5.17 to $6.39 per gallon since the conflict with Iran began.
  • AAA expects higher jet fuel and airfare prices to remain through the summer travel season.

The players

Joe Nielsen

A pilot with Torque Flight Training who has seen his jet fuel costs rise significantly in recent weeks.

Doug Johnson

A spokesperson for AAA who expects higher crude oil prices to drive up jet fuel and airfare costs, potentially impacting summer travel.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just the freedom. It's easy to go – to get to the coast, up to the mountains, down to L.A., down to San Francisco.”

— Joe Nielsen, Pilot (KSEE/KGPE)

“The crude oil is going up. It's actually gone up and then dropped back down. But it's certainly up from where it was two weeks ago. That will have an impact on jet fuel, as well as airfare prices.”

— Doug Johnson, AAA Spokesperson (KSEE/KGPE)

What’s next

AAA expects the higher jet fuel and airfare prices to remain through the summer travel season, potentially impacting vacation plans for many families.

The takeaway

The rise in oil and jet fuel prices comes at a challenging time for the travel industry, which is still recovering from the pandemic. Higher costs could price some travelers out of the market and force airlines to raise fares, potentially dampening the rebound in air travel.