Rising Gas Prices Could Mean Higher Summer Travel Costs

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Summer vacations are expected to be a little more pricey this year, as cheap airfares for the peak travel season are proving hard to come by.

Airlines have not been offering as many discounts this year and international travel may prove especially costly.

"I think that we're going to see the highest prices to Europe this summer," said Chris McGinnis, author of the Frequent Travel Advisor blog. "One, because there's a lot of demand. And two, because of increased oil prices. When you look at long stage flights like those to Europe, there are going to be surcharges and they are going to be significant."

KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:

McGinnis adds that airlines don't seem to be making a move to increase capacity, meaning planes will continue to be full. He said even the frequent flyer programs are not the bargains they once were when airlines were flying planes that were 60 to 70 percent full.

"Now that airlines have really reduced their capacity, it's almost impossible to find an empty seat on a plane that you're willing to pay for, much less expecting the airline to give it to you as a frequent flyer reward," he said.

McGinnis said avoiding the peak travel months of July and August is the best way to save some money on airfares this summer.

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