Flying around in the sky may get more expensive next year, and you can blame it on cruise ships.
Right now, cruise ship owners are in the process of switching to a cleaner burning diesel fuel to comply with new emissions rules taking effect globally in 2020.
“It’s likely to be good for refiners,” said Chris Midgley, head of analytics at S&P Global Platts, “but not for consumers.”
Some experts say the switch could raise jet fuel prices — which are already up 40% this year.
In order to make up for the costs, several airlines have now started charging extra for checked bags and are thinking about building planes with smaller restrooms and seats.
While higher oil prices are just one factor in ticket pricing, many airlines have already raised fares amid strong air-travel demand. The average domestic ticket in the U.S. in August cost $485, up from $457 a year earlier, according to the Airlines Reporting Corporation, which collects air-travel data.
