Even though my sister (who is an airline pilot) tells me TSA volume is nearly back to 2019 levels, some sources are reporting that Americans are looking at all of their travel options when trying to get to that family reunion, wedding, lake home, or postponed celebration of life for a dear friend or family member. The summer of 2022 shows all the signs of making up for the last two summers, when get-togethers and celebrations were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But high oil prices are driving higher airfares, forcing travelers to look for other options.
Traveling for a family of 4 from the east coast to the midwest may have cost $1200 3 years ago, and now airfares could make that same trip cost $2400 – an increase of 100%. According to a recent Skift article, 70% of surveyed Americans have noticed these higher prices and have many have looked into travel alternatives. Families may choose to travel by car or train to meet have that special trip come in close to budget for the summer of 2022.
Fishing with Dad (GO ILLINI) in Wisconsin
I’ve even thought of skipping our annual trip to “the lake” in Wisconsin, because airfares and car rental prices are much higher than I budgeted for last fall. But with older parents, siblings and cousins I don’t see often, I hate to miss out on these times together. Time to take a close look at the budget to see if we can swing it.
Have you had to change your travel plans for summer? If so, have you found ways to make expenses more manageable?
