Travelers are experiencing increased costs and reduced flight availability due to volatile jet fuel prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines are responding by trimming schedules, adjusting fares, and increasing ancillary fees, with budget carriers and their customers likely to be most affected. Despite brief price drops, uncertainty persists, leading airlines to delay fare adjustments for months or even a year. Delta Air Lines anticipates a $2 billion increase in operating expenses for the second quarter, while United Airlines projects an additional $11 billion annually if prices remain elevated. Global jet fuel prices have nearly doubled since the conflict began, prompting carriers like Cathay Pacific and Air India to implement higher surcharges and fees, impacting both leisure and business travelers.