Americans are choosing cheaper domestic vacation destinations over trips to Europe this year as international airfare climbs, travel advisers have observed. The average international flight cost about $150 more in mid-April 2026 than it did in mid-April 2025, with the price of jet fuel roughly doubling since the war in Iran began.
Several international carriers have trimmed schedules. Lufthansa has canceled 20,000 flights through October 2026, Air Canada is temporarily cutting routes to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and United Airlines is pruning flights during less popular times such as overnight hours and Saturdays.
On a recent earnings call, United CEO Scott Kirby said the company might keep some ticket prices higher to improve its traditionally tight profit margins.
Travel agents are seeing the effects on consumer behavior. Arlene Hogan, owner of Vacays4U, said her bookings for fall trips have dropped by about 10%. She said Americans are concerned about going overseas as the wars in Iran and Ukraine continue, and many are choosing Hawaii because it gives them a sense of security as part of the United States.
Not all segments of the travel industry are reporting a slowdown. Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association, said members have not reported a decline in bookings or an uptick in canceled trips. He said many flyers feel they can afford more expensive tickets due to a record-high stock market and growing investment portfolios.
"There's more pause. But they're still traveling." Dale said.
Individual travelers are weighing the higher costs against their plans. James and Lea Ridgeway spent hundreds of dollars on tickets to see The Cure in Ireland this summer, and the cost of the flights they were planning has risen by thousands of dollars.