As the price of jet fuel rises, airline CEOs expect airfare to rise as well. Jet fuel prices have doubled since the beginning of the year, and it is the second biggest expense for airlines.
Under federal law, airlines that cancel flights are required to give cash payouts to customers if they decide not to travel, experts say.
The DOT is also issuing $7.25 million in fines against six airlines for the "extreme delays in providing those refunds to passengers," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on a call with reporters.
Travel is booming, and Delta Air Lines boosted ticket prices. That helped the company weather higher fuel costs in the first quarter, and Delta believes it can turn a profit in the second quarter.
A local councilman is floating the idea of tacking a tourist fee on to every airline and cruise line ticket.
Economy flyers may be shut out of the best deals.