All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have implemented substantial increases in fuel surcharges, with some fees exceeding $400 on long-haul routes. This adjustment affects tickets purchased in July and August, even as jet fuel prices in Asia have decreased to $113 per barrel from a peak of $242 in March.
The airlines base their surcharges on average fuel prices from previous months, specifically April and May, which averaged $178.21. The surcharges have surged significantly since the onset of the Iran war, with fees for flights from locations such as Hawaii, India, and Indonesia rising from $94 in April to $310 in July.
JAL's surcharges mirror this trend, with maximum fees reaching 65,000 yen for flights from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, translating to approximately $400 due to the yen's depreciation against the dollar.
The airlines adjust these surcharges bi-monthly, suggesting a potential decrease for tickets purchased in September and October, which may alleviate some financial pressure on travelers. Additionally, travelers are facing increased departure taxes and visa fees, compounding the overall cost of travel