As the holiday travel season approaches, rising fuel costs are making it more expensive for South Florida families to hit the road or book flights.
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Several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, have indicated they may reduce flight schedules as jet fuel prices continue to climb, raising concerns about airfare costs and holiday travel availability.
At Miami International Airport, travelers told NBC6 they are already feeling the financial strain.
“It’s sad to see the prices of everything going up because a lot of people need that time to kind of just unwind, unplug and reset,” Myasia Smith told NBC6.
For Smith, higher travel costs have led to fewer vacations. She said they used to take about five trips a year. Now, with two children, they’re traveling closer to twice annually.
“I need to make more money to be able to still travel and experience things with my family,” Smith added.
The impact extends beyond airfare.
According to AAA, Florida’s average gas price is about $4.24 per gallon, while the statewide average for diesel stands at approximately $6.25 per gallon as of Sept. 22.
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In South Florida, drivers are paying even more. The average price for regular gasoline is about $4.30 per gallon in Fort Lauderdale and around $4.25 per gallon in Miami, according to AAA data. Diesel prices are averaging roughly $6.34 per gallon in Fort Lauderdale and $6.30 per gallon in Miami.
AAA says the recent spike is largely tied to rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have created uncertainty in global energy markets.
Florida gas prices rose about 16 cents over the past week, while diesel remains near record highs.
“Travel is important to us. It feeds our soul, and it’s something that we try to incorporate into our yearly experiences,” said Smith.
Travel agents are urging consumers not to wait to book holiday trips. With fuel costs remaining elevated and some airlines considering service reductions, experts say airfare could continue to rise, and flight options may become more limited heading into the busy holiday season.
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