Spring Travel Savings Hacks as Gas Prices and Airfares Rise

Experts share tips to keep travel costs down amid surging oil prices

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:39am

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With gas prices and airfares climbing due to the ongoing Iran war, travel experts are offering advice on how consumers can save money on spring travel this year. Strategies include booking early, packing light to avoid checked bag fees, being flexible on flight routes, and considering budget-friendly destinations.

Why it matters

The rise in oil prices and resulting increases in gas and airfare prices are putting a strain on consumers' travel budgets, especially for spring break trips. Finding ways to save on travel costs is crucial for many families and individuals looking to get away this season.

The details

Travelers are employing several tactics to cut costs, such as booking flights on discount airlines, avoiding checked bags, and considering more affordable destinations. Some are even willing to sacrifice convenience, like taking connecting flights instead of nonstops, in order to save money. Travel experts recommend strategies like driving instead of flying, staying with friends or family, preparing some meals, and looking for coupons or online savings.

  • Oil prices have surged since the start of the Iran war in early 2026.

The players

Ken and Kim Fiske

A couple who plan ahead and pack light to save on travel costs.

Rolando Collado

A traveler who tries to avoid inflated hotel prices in major cities.

Stephanie Carls

A retail insights expert at RetailMeNot who says travelers are "editing" their trips to save money.

Tara Minson

The president of InteleTravel who notes that more spring breakers are willing to sacrifice convenience for savings.

Darley Newman

A travel expert and PBS host who recommends Myrtle Beach as an affordable family-friendly destination.

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What they’re saying

“We pack very light, and we just fly Frontier or Allegiant.”

— Ken Fiske (tv20detroit.com)

“Quicker in and out, no checked bags.”

— Kim Fiske (tv20detroit.com)

“Certain cities like New York have convention fees and things like that.”

— Rolando Collado (tv20detroit.com)

“We are in the era of the edited trip. People are still keeping that full experience, but they're just trimming that excess.”

— Stephanie Carls, Retail insights expert, RetailMeNot (tv20detroit.com)

“Maybe they used to take nonstop flights only. Maybe they're willing to take that stopover, or maybe two stopovers, because it means substantial savings.”

— Tara Minson, President, InteleTravel (tv20detroit.com)

What’s next

Travelers should continue to monitor gas prices and airfare costs in the coming weeks and months as the situation in Iran evolves, and be prepared to adjust their spring travel plans accordingly.

The takeaway

With the rise in travel costs due to the Iran war, consumers must be strategic and flexible in order to enjoy a spring getaway without breaking the bank. By employing money-saving tactics like packing light, being open to alternative flight routes, and choosing budget-friendly destinations, travelers can still have a memorable spring break experience.