What a looming jet fuel shortage could mean for summer travel

A looming jet fuel shortage could disrupt Americans’ summer travel plans, especially those flying abroad on international airlines. But travel experts said there are several steps consumers can take to insulate themselves and minimize disruption.

The Iran war and resulting disruptions to global oil supplies are triggering fears in some parts of the world that jet fuel stocks may soon begin to run low. Europe, for example, may only have six weeks’ worth of jet fuel, the International Energy Agency said Thursday.

Potential shortages and rising jet fuel costs have led some airlines to reduce flight schedules; Potentially upsetting plans for those who need to find alternative flights or choose to postpone or cancel their trips altogether.

While flight discounts have been largely modest to date, they could worsen as the summer travel season reaches its peak.

“It’s almost like they’re on a timer,” said travel expert Katy Nastro of travel deals site Going. “It’s like SATs: When the timer runs out, it’s over and they can’t fly anymore,” he said.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has led Iran and the United States to blockade Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a sea lane through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies pass.

Stephen Rooney, chief economist at Tourism Economics, said about 25 percent to 30 percent of the world’s jet fuel refined from oil also flows through waterways.

The United States is somewhat insulated from a possible jet fuel shortage compared to other parts of the world because it produces a significant portion of its supplies of that fuel domestically, Rooney said. But European and Asian carriers are more at risk because these regions are more dependent on fuel imports.

“What if there is no fuel to buy at any cost?” said Rooney. “This is an unprecedented situation.”

“I don’t think we’re at full crisis point yet,” he said. “Six weeks is a long time, so I’m hopeful something can be worked out. We still have time to get the jet fuel flowing again.”

Rooney said the United States could avoid possible supply shortages in the coming weeks, but low inventories elsewhere in the world would “put major upward pressure” on jet fuel prices for U.S. airlines.

Jet fuel among the biggest operating costs for airlines and companies We have taken a number of measures to reduce the financial impact of rising prices: for example, increasing airfares, increasing baggage fees, adding fuel surcharges and reducing flight capacity.

To help you determine your options, a U.S. Department of Transportation summary of services What U.S. carriers have agreed to provide to customers to alleviate any inconvenience that passengers may experience if a flight is canceled or delayed due to reasons within the airline’s control.

According to the Department of Transportation, federal rules require airlines to promptly refund a ticketed passenger (even those with non-refundable tickets) if they cancel a flight or make a significant change to the itinerary. To be eligible for a refund, the passenger cannot accept an alternative offered by the airline, such as rebooking on another flight.

Experts said airlines often offer passengers an alternative when they cancel or make significant changes to a flight and can automatically rebook passengers on another flight.

But travelers don’t have to accept this alternative. Nastro said that even if there is a difference in fare, passengers generally do not need to pay extra to choose another option.

NerdWallet travel expert Sara Rathner said passengers may also be entitled to meal vouchers and hotel stays if their flights are affected, for example, and they shouldn’t be afraid to ask the airline for those things.

Document transactions and keep receipts to file claims later, he said.

DOT to see what options are available for refunds, meal and lodging coupons, or frequent flyer miles, depending on your carrier. there is a control panel It outlines its policies towards US airlines.

2. Check your contact information

Make sure your airline’s contact information on file is correct in case they need to contact you about a flight change, Nastro said.

Make sure your phone number and email address are up to date when booking your online flight. Also check if the airline hasn’t issued any notifications or messages, he said.

“The worst thing that could happen is you show up at the airport and your flight is canceled and you had no knowledge of it,” Nastro said.

3. Act quickly

If an airline contacts you about a canceled flight or a change in your travel schedule, “act quickly,” NerdWallet’s Rathner said.

“The sooner you contact the airline, the more options you have,” he said. “You don’t want to sit on this for too long.”

Similarly, if you have travel plans, don’t ignore emails, texts or other messages you receive from airlines before your flight, he said.

If your flight is canceled or severely delayed while you’re at the airport, “use every means available to you” to understand your options, he said. Rathner said she stood in line to speak to the gate agent while simultaneously calling the airline’s customer service line or using its app.

3. Fly non-stop

Flying nonstop to a destination is often more expensive than booking a connecting flight.

But experts said it’s a good strategy for travelers who can afford it and want to minimize disruptions.

“Right now, I would say you’re better off flying non-stop if you can,” Nastro said of Going.

4. Consider travel insurance

Travel insurance or credit cards with travel benefits can cover unreimbursed expenses resulting from travel plan interruptions.

But NerdWallet’s Rathner said the expenses covered vary by policy, making it necessary for consumers to read detailed information.

Certain policies, such as those covered by “cancellation for any reason” or “interruption for any reason,” offer travelers more flexibility but often come with caveats such as higher upfront costs.