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U.S. routes with the biggest jumps in frequent flyer redemptions
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- Airline ticket prices, including those purchased with frequent flyer miles, have surged significantly this year, with award flights over the Thanksgiving period costing 32% more than last year.
- Airlines have shifted from static mileage redemption charts to dynamic pricing, causing frequent flyer mile costs to fluctuate based on demand, routes, and other factors, making it harder for travelers to budget.
- Longer routes, such as flights from Hawaii, are among the most expensive for mileage redemptions this Thanksgiving, but some shorter routes like New York to Houston have also seen notable price increases.
- Rising jet fuel prices, driven by geopolitical tensions since February, have pressured airline profits and led carriers to pass higher costs onto consumers, affecting both ticket fares and award redemptions.
- Even typically cheaper award routes, such as Tulsa to Dallas Fort Worth, have experienced price hikes compared to last year's Thanksgiving travel period.
