Major airlines considering raising ticket prices by 20%, but one Lincoln travel agent isn’t too concerned

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Amid the rise in jet fuel prices due to the war in Iran, some major airlines are raising their prices.

United Airlines is considering upping ticket costs by nearly 20%.

Channel 8 checked online today for a round-trip flight from Omaha to Orlando, and on United, it was around $540 per person. If a 20% increase is added, then it would be an extra $108.00

“If fuel keeps rising, airlines will raise their prices. We’ll be stuck with the bill,” said one traveler.

While most people say they’ll pay what they need to pay to fly, Steve Glenn from Executive Travel explains what we’re seeing right now: the competition is actually keeping prices at a moderate level.

He states that low-fare carriers are exerting downward pressure, so other airlines can’t increase prices as much, and says that for consumers, this will be manageable.

“Even though there’s talk of the bogeyman of high jet fuel prices, the reality of it is the competition is keeping a lid on it, so that it’s helping the traveler,” said Glenn, the Chairman of Executive Travel. “It will affect the pocketbook for a one or two-night stay in Orlando. We understand it will affect some travel, but it’s not catastrophic.”

Glenn doesn’t feel consumers should be too concerned with a 20% increase, but still says airlines will eventually raise their prices if the war continues.

But it won’t be that drastic a difference.

“There is some increase coming, but they’re very, very moderate right now.”

Glenn also says he believes ticket prices shouldn’t be the major cause for concern this summer; instead, the biggest problem for consumers today is schedule changes as airlines consolidate their flights.