Ten airline companies have recently announced adjustments in fees as a response to the sharp increase in jet fuel prices.
The surge in global oil prices is attributed to the military actions taken against Iran by Israel and the US, leading to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to data from The International Air Transport Association, jet fuel costs have doubled compared to the previous year, significantly impacting airlines. Typically, jet fuel expenses represent 20 to 30% of an airline’s total costs, as reported by Open Airlines.
In response to the ongoing challenges, numerous airlines have chosen to cancel flights to mitigate their financial losses. Additionally, several carriers have opted to increase various fees to counterbalance the situation. The following are ten major airlines that have implemented fee adjustments:
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines, a prominent Asian carrier, has nearly doubled its fuel surcharge for new ticket purchases, resulting in an additional fee of 56,000 yen (£260) per leg for London–Tokyo flights. The airline attributes this adjustment to the unprecedented surge in fuel market prices.
China Eastern Airlines
China Eastern Airlines has raised its fuel surcharges for domestic flights, implementing a surcharge of 60 yuan (£8.80) for flights under 800 km and 120 yuan for longer flights.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific, a major airline based in Hong Kong, has significantly increased its fuel surcharges, varying by route. Detailed information on these adjustments can be found on the airline’s official website. The airline emphasizes the critical role of fuel costs, accounting for approximately 30% of its total operating expenses.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is increasing fees for checked baggage on its North American flights, with a $5 (£3.70) rise for the first checked bag and a $10 increase for the second. Moreover, the price for a third checked bag has been raised from $50 to $200.
American Airlines
American Airlines, one of the largest global carriers, has decided to raise fees for checked bags by $10 (£7.40) each for the first and second bags and by $150 for the third bag on all domestic and short-haul international flights, impacting a substantial number