HOW TO NAVIGATE THE UNFRIENDLY SKIES

Don’t let soaring airfares and flight disruptions upend your summer vacation plans. These steps can help.

- BY MARTHA C. WHITE

THIS summer, travelers are bracing for more than just the usual heat waves and hurricanes wreaking havoc with their vacation plans.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has rippled through airline operations across the Middle East and significantly disrupted the global oil market, with scarcer and more expensive jet fuel prompting airlines to charge more and slash schedules at a time of peak demand. A recent survey from Global Rescue, which sells travel insurance and emergency-evacuation services, found that 85% of Americans are now worried that global conflicts may delay or disrupt their travels.

Those concerns come amid a packed U.S. events calendar this summer, including FIFA World Cup games in 11 cities this June and July, and America250 celebrations across the country—events expected to draw millions of tourists. “Lots of moving parts is an understatement,” says aviation consultant Robert Mann. Planning to fly this summer? To protect your wallet, your trip and your sanity, travel pros suggest these steps.

Keep an eye out for deals. Domestic airfares are about 18% higher than a year ago, and international flights are up 7.5%, says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at the flight-deals platform Going. On top of that, some airlines—primarily overseas carriers—have imposed or hiked fuel surcharges that can add more than $200 to an economy-class ticket, and most U.S.-based airlines have increased checked-bag fees.

The best way to keep those costs down? Stay loose about when and where you fly, if possible. “Flexibility is going to be your superpower,” Nastro says.