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Travelers planning summer getaways may want to lock in flights sooner rather than later as surging oil prices threaten to drive airfares higher.

Under normal conditions, travel website The Points Guy (TPG) recommends booking domestic flights one to three months in advance and international trips three to six months ahead. 

But with fuel prices climbing, travelers may want to secure tickets even earlier, TPG travel expert Clint Henderson told FOX Business.

“Book now for the rest of the year,” Henderson said. “We expect prices to rise quickly as oil prices continue to rise. Remember, you can always get a trip credit if the price drops before your trip. Just don’t book basic economy!”

Henderson noted many airlines allow travelers to receive trip credits if fares fall after purchase.

FUEL CRISIS FORCES AIRLINES TO ANNOUNCE MAJOR FARE INCREASES, FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS AS IRAN CONFLICT ESCALATES

Travelers wait in line at a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, on March 9, 2026.  (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Despite a long-standing myth, Henderson said there is no “magic time” that consistently guarantees the cheapest airfare.

However, flying on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays is often cheaper because there are typically fewer business travelers, he said.

Travelers can also monitor price changes by setting alerts on Google Flights, which notifies users when fares drop. 

Flying during off-peak seasons can also help reduce costs, according to Henderson.

As airfare prices rise, Henderson said travelers may also find value in redeeming credit card rewards or airline miles.

“You’ll get the best value from your points and miles by using them instead of paying cash when prices are high,” he said. “Unfortunately, some airline miles are now priced dynamically, so they rise when cash prices rise, but you can still sometimes get a great deal using points or miles instead of paying cash.”

IRAN THREATENS $200 OIL BARRELS AS US PREPARES MASSIVE RELEASE OF EMERGENCY PETROLEUM RESERVES

A person holds a credit card while booking travel on a laptop computer. (iStock / iStock)

One of the most common — and costly — mistakes travelers make is waiting until the last minute to book flights, according to Henderson.

“Airfares are generally highest in the two-week period before the flight,” he said. ” . . . That’s when last-minute business trips happen, and airlines know that businesses have deep pockets and sometimes can’t plan ahead.”

The escalating conflict involving Iran is already rippling through global energy markets, threatening to hit American travelers’ wallets.

Oil markets have been rattled by halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities and tankers as U.S. military forces continue Operation Epic Fury.

Global benchmark Brent crude topped $100 per barrel on Friday, marking a more than 60% increase since the start of the year. 

TRUMP SAYS US ‘LARGEST OIL PRODUCER IN THE WORLD,’ BUT PRIORITY REMAINS STOPPING IRAN NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES

A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026.  (Sahar Al Attar/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Jet fuel is one of airlines’ largest expenses, meaning rising oil prices could soon translate into more expensive tickets. Domestic airfares would need to rise at least 11% to offset current fuel prices, according to Skift Research.

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International carriers Qantas and Scandinavian Airlines have already announced they are raising fares, though U.S. airlines have not yet broadly done so.

FOX Business’ Kristen Altus contributed to this report.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

This article was written by

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.