Rising oil prices amid the war with Iran have translated to higher costs for air travelers – and cruises could be next.
Major U.S. airlines have increased bag fees as jet fuel prices have spiked, and drivers at the pump are seeing average gas prices over $4 per gallon. While major U.S. cruise lines have not yet introduced fuel surcharges, uncertainty remains – even after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
Cruise companies have historically added surcharges during times of elevated oil prices, according to Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities. "History may not always repeat itself, but what do they say? It rhymes," he told USA TODAY.
Here’s what travelers should know.
The price of a barrel of Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dropped by roughly $17 between the end of April 7 and the morning of April 8. However, the price is still around 26% higher than before the war began in late February.
