Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian has pushed back against complaints about rising airfares, arguing that flight prices remain a "tremendous bargain" even after a 20% increase over the past year. Speaking on CNBC's Squawk Box, Bastian noted that other expenses—such as groceries, clothing, and car insurance—have risen even more sharply due to inflation.
"If people are having concern with respect to airfares, they have much higher concerns with respect to other products," Bastian said. "Airfares are up but airfares continue to be a tremendous bargain."
Airlines have been hiking ticket prices to offset surging jet fuel costs amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. Delta's chief commercial officer, Joe Esposito, indicated that carriers are determined to maintain the current pricing environment, offering little hope for bargain hunters.
How Expensive Is Airfare Right Now?
Domestic flights booked three to five weeks in advance are now 20% more expensive than a year ago, according to data from Points Path. International fares for August are running 15% higher than in 2025. The price hikes persist despite falling oil prices, which have brought the national average for gasoline down to $3.82 per gallon from a peak of $4.56 in late May.
Late-Summer Silver Lining
While fares remain elevated, they have eased slightly from their mid-May peak. Domestic ticket prices are about 5% lower than that high point, and several airlines are offering award deals. For example, one reporter booked a Labor Day weekend flight from the U.S. to Naples, Italy, for just 21,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles one-way.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights in 2026
- Cast a wide net: Use comparison tools like Google Flights and Kayak to find the best routes and dates.
- Fly mid-week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically cheaper than busy Thursday, Friday, and Sunday departures.
- Be flexible with points: Transferable points can unlock better award deals through international programs like Flying Blue or Aeroplan.
Bottom Line
Until air travel demand drops noticeably, airlines are unlikely to slash prices. Bastian summed it up: "Airfares are a function of supply and demand. The demand set is really strong and the supply is in balance." For travelers, higher fares may be here to stay for the foreseeable future.