Air Travelers Hit Hard by the 2026 Inflation Surge

If you’re a frequent flyer, 2026 hasn’t really been your year so far. There was the government shutdown that plunged airports into chaos due to TSA staff shortages and - an even bigger nuisance for most - the war in Iran sent jet fuel prices surging, resulting in airline fares that are near historic highs.

Over the past twelve months, the Consumer Price Index for airline fares increased 25.5 percent, bringing prices to levels last seen in 2022, when high jet fuel prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine coincided with pent-up travel demand in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately for travelers, taking the car instead of flying is not really an option, as gasoline prices surged alongside the price of jet fuel. The best option for cost-conscious travelers in 2026 may be the train, as the Consumer Price Index for other intercity transportation, which includes trains and boats, declined 4.4 percent since July 2025.