The Fuel for Frenzy: Airlines Cash In as Travelers Pay the Price Airfare prices have surged in recent years, leaving many travelers wondering if they'll ever see the days of cheap flights again.
According to federal data, airfare in the U. S. rose 26. 5% in June compared to a year earlier. Airlines blame rising fuel costs for their increased fares, citing the average Southwest one way fare jumped from $186.
65 to $225. 61 in just one quarter. However, this is only part of the story. Airlines' pricing power plays a significant role in driving up airfare.