ST. LOUIS — The phones keep ringing at Brentwood Travel.
President Stacy Acree says many are ready to fly out, as the pandemic kept many in.
"It’s really picked up with the demand," she said. "Summer travel is big right now, that is major what I’ve been planning for people."
The latest numbers from the St. Louis International Airport show:
- More than 10.3 million passengers came through in 2021
- A jump from 6.3 million in 2020 with the hit of the pandemic
- In 2019, numbers were at a high of 15.8 million
The airport has also added new routes and airlines in 2021, offering more options after a slow year.
"There are more flights going out. For a while, airlines cut back half of their flights. Airlines are back in business," Acree said.
As travel ramps up, Acree has to factor in new costs.
"With oil prices, it also impacts the industry and airline prices of fuel," Acree notes.
Fuel accounts for 40% to 50% of air operating costs of a single flight, depending on the type of plane used.
Just to give an idea on how much jet fuel is used, a fully loaded jumbo Jet (Boeing 747-400) flying from London to New York burns about 21,741 gallons of fuel, according to the Poynter Institute.
Due to the recent spike in oil prices, it is estimated jet fuel prices rising to at least $3.45 per gallon, an increase from $2.30 last year.
Soon, this could impact the price of tickets too.
"The costs are going up, it seems, 5% each month," Acree said.
Tips to save
Acree suggests, to get tickets sooner rather than later.
"The world has changed, so if you see a flight, it keeps going up it doesn’t go down anymore. Don’t do the last minute thinking anymore, the whole industry has changed," Acree said.
With high demand, tickets may be snatched quicker. If you can be flexible with time, that helps too.
"If you can be flexible, you can get good fares," she said. "You may have to leave later or leave really early in the morning because those are the ones less to be taken."
Driving can be an option too. But with the rising costs in gas, it wouldn't hurt to check out airline flights. It can save you the time, as well.