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Travel Inflation Report: March 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

How airfares have changed

How hotels room rates have changed, how rental car prices have changed, how restaurant prices have changed, how the price of movies, theaters and concerts has changed, if you’re planning to travel in 2024….

Some good news for travelers: Airfares are cheaper than they were this time last year.

Last month, airfares were down 6.1% versus the same month in 2023, and they are even slightly lower than what they were in February 2020, before the pandemic. That’s according to the latest set of Consumer Price Index data released in March 2024 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is based on February 2024 prices.

Car rentals price are also lower — down 10% versus February 2023. Hotel prices barely budged since last year, down a nominal 0.9%.

Falling travel prices is a bright spot for customers, considering that the price of pretty much everything else is going up. In fact, average consumer prices across all items rose 3.2% year-over-year through February.

According to NerdWallet's Travel Price Index, the overall cost of travel is down 1% from the same month in 2023 and up 12% compared with February 2020. In short, expect the same trip taken this year to cost slightly less than it did this time last year (largely due to the steep drop in airfares), but more than it would if you had taken the trip before the pandemic.

NerdWallet's Travel Price Index combines data from individual travel categories tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index data, such as airfares, lodging, meals and rental cars.

Overall prices for the past 12 months through February 2024 rose 3.2% before seasonal adjustment. Still, not every individual line item experiences inflation at the same rate — especially when it comes to travel prices. Some types of trips might actually be more or less expensive than in the past, depending on if your trip involves airfare versus driving, if you’re staying in a hotel and whether it involves a rental car.

To help you better understand how travel prices have changed, NerdWallet honed in on five categories:

Car rentals.

Food away from home.

Movies, theaters and concerts.

NerdWallet then compared those costs to their same prices a month ago and a year ago. And given how significantly COVID-19 altered the state of travel, the data also compares today’s prices to the same cost of those things pre-pandemic. For example, February 2024 is compared to February 2020 as the last corresponding pre-pandemic month.

Here’s what today’s travel prices look like:

When comparing February 2024 prices versus February 2023, U.S. airfares are down 6.1%. Even compared to pre-pandemic prices, airfares are down a marginal 0.5% in February 2024 versus February 2020.

Prices for lodging away from home — including hotels and motels in U.S. cities — did increase 3.7% month-over-month. Though, they actually lightly decreased over the past year, falling by a nominal 0.9% versus February 2023.

Unlike airfares that are lower than pre-pandemic prices, hotel and motel prices are significantly higher than what they were pre-pandemic.

High rental car prices were one of the biggest stories of pandemic-era travel. Though prices have leveled off, they are still up an astounding 23.6% versus the same month in 2020. Still, the costs are better now than they were a year ago. Car rental prices are down 10.1% year-over-year.

Food prices consistently rise nearly every month, and this month was no exception. In February 2024, the cost of food away from home was up 4.5% versus the same month in 2023. And prices are far higher than pre-pandemic, with February 2024 prices coming in at 25.5% higher than what they were in February 2020.

Like restaurants, entertainment prices see fairly consistent increases — save for a small dip in 2020. Prices are now up 19.6% from what they were in February 2020. The year-over-year price increases are up 6.2%.

Especially if you’re building your next vacation budget based on an early-pandemic-era trip, expect to pay far more now for pretty much every expense. Yet even though prices constantly feel like they’re getting higher, you can still save on travel with a little planning.

Paying for travel with miles and points versus cash isn’t as daunting a task as it may seem. Frequent flyer miles and hotel points can be accrued not just for recurring travel, but through other outlets as well. Credit card rewards and welcome bonuses can be one of the most popular ways to accrue a big stash of points for a lot less effort than living your life out of a suitcase.

To avoid the costs of eating out, head to local grocery stores — which can be a fun activity on its own — or pack snacks from home. While in an airport, head to the lounge. Many credit cards have partnerships with airport lounge operators ( Priority Pass is a popular one) where you can typically expect complimentary snacks and drinks.

Methodology

NerdWallet conducted an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index data released by the U.S. Department of Labor, which was most recently updated in March 2024 and measures prices of items like travel, groceries and cars. Prices usually change every month, but some prices change more than others.

Keep in mind, this data is based on February 2024 information, even though it is released in March 2024, so prices you actually see may have actually improved (or gotten even worse) than this data, because it lags one month behind.

And even within the realm of travel, some expenses might go up, while others might go down.

The NerdWallet Travel Price Index combines data from the Consumer Price Index, weighted by the estimated spending in each category, which is based on 2019 travel expenditure data from the BLS.

Here are the spending categories considered, and how heavily each was weighted:

Flights: 29%.

Car rental: 13%.

Lodging: 30%.

Entertainment: 7%.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Cheap International Flights

International flights from Expedia can get you where you need to go in style, letting you search a variety of airlines and destinations to find something great for your next vacation. With numerous cheap international flights available, travelers can enjoy value and choice that has earned the trust of people around the world.

Where can I fly internationally?

Travelers can find destinations all across the world to fly to internationally including popular destinations like Europe and Asia. Cheap flights to London are especially popular because the destination doesn’t have any language barrier for most Americans, but cheap flights to Tokyo are available as well for travelers looking to explore one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. These destinations, like cheap flights to Paris , are popular, so international flights are almost always available no matter where you are in the country.

What’s the cheapest day to fly internationally?

The best time to find cheap international flights is generally November, when departures can be found costing as much as 34.6% less than they would be in the most expensive month of the year – February. You can save a little more by booking your flight on a Sunday, ideally flying on Friday. It’s worth noting that there are a lot of factors that influence the price of international flights beyond the time of the week or year that choose to book or fly, meaning that significant savings cannot be completely guaranteed*.

How can I find international flight deals?

Travelers can find international flight deals by knowing when to book international flights and by taking advantage of search filters that can narrow down results by price while also letting you customize other aspects of the flight. For example, you can sort your results by price while also using filters for stops, airlines, departure times, and more. Having flexible travel dates can help you find very cheap international flights because the best deals simply may not be available on certain dates.

Can I buy international flight tickets that are fully refundable?

Yes, several flights are fully refundable, and the ones that qualify will be marked as such on your search engine results. To refund a ticket, you can set the refund option on your trip’s itinerary page within your Expedia profile, or you can use the Customer Service Portal . Additionally, travelers can call or email us with any refund request. Keep in mind that any kind of cancellation is treated the same as a refund request. Additionally, fully refundable international flight tickets have to be canceled within 24 hours of departure at the least in most cases.

Why should I book with Expedia?

Booking with Expedia makes finding the right flight for your international trip easy thanks to the immense number of options and customized searches. Flights are just the beginning, too, as we also offer hotels, car rentals, and activities you can enjoy whether you’re looking for cheap flights to Barcelona or cheap flights to Hong Kong . 

*Data specialists from both ARC and Expedia Group analyzed ARC’s global flight data to distil actionable information to help people save money on travel. While it’s impossible to guarantee when to find the lowest prices, after examining the variables, we were able to observe trends. Best day of the week to book and best day of the week to depart is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Best month to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Best time to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021 & average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database.

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Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline ticket sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last-minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

Auckland flights

• Flight Christchurch - Auckland (CHC - AKL) $80+
• Flight Wellington - Auckland (WLG - AKL) $108+
• Flight Queenstown - Auckland (ZQN - AKL) $114+
• Flight Dunedin - Auckland (DUD - AKL) $126+
• Flight Napier - Auckland (NPE - AKL) $172+
• Flight Blenheim - Auckland (BHE - AKL) $181+
• Flight Nelson - Auckland (NSN - AKL) $214+
• Flight New Plymouth - Auckland (NPL - AKL) $219+
• Flight Palmerston North - Auckland (PMR - AKL) $225+
• Flight Gisborne - Auckland (GIS - AKL) $249+
• Flight Invercargill - Auckland (IVC - AKL) $336+

London flights

• Flight Auckland - London (AKL - LHR) $1,444+
• Flight Auckland - London (AKL - LGW) $1,485+
• Flight Wellington - London (WLG - LHR) $1,671+
• Flight Christchurch - London (CHC - LHR) $1,694+
• Flight Christchurch - London (CHC - LGW) $1,735+
• Flight Auckland - London (AKL - LCY) $2,432+
• Flight Auckland - London (AKL - STN) $2,490+

Wellington flights

• Flight Auckland - Wellington (AKL - WLG) $93+
• Flight Christchurch - Wellington (CHC - WLG) $94+
• Flight Napier - Wellington (NPE - WLG) $166+
• Flight Rotorua - Wellington (ROT - WLG) $184+
• Flight Nelson - Wellington (NSN - WLG) $191+
• Flight Tauranga - Wellington (TRG - WLG) $197+
• Flight Blenheim - Wellington (BHE - WLG) $249+
• Flight Hamilton - Wellington (HLZ - WLG) $257+
• Flight Queenstown - Wellington (ZQN - WLG) $277+

Nadi flights

• Flight Auckland - Nadi (AKL - NAN) $494+
• Flight Christchurch - Nadi (CHC - NAN) $643+
• Flight Wellington - Nadi (WLG - NAN) $651+
• Flight Queenstown - Nadi (ZQN - NAN) $784+
• Flight Palmerston North - Nadi (PMR - NAN) $850+
• Flight Rotorua - Nadi (ROT - NAN) $902+
• Flight Tauranga - Nadi (TRG - NAN) $903+

Bangkok flights

• Flight Auckland - Bangkok (AKL - BKK) $983+
• Flight Queenstown - Bangkok (ZQN - BKK) $1,159+
• Flight Wellington - Bangkok (WLG - BKK) $1,188+
• Flight Christchurch - Bangkok (CHC - BKK) $1,213+
• Flight Palmerston North - Bangkok (PMR - BKK) $1,702+
• Flight Blenheim - Bangkok (BHE - BKK) $1,903+
• Flight Tauranga - Bangkok (TRG - BKK) $1,974+

India flights

• Flight Auckland - Mumbai (AKL - BOM) $1,377+
• Flight Auckland - New Delhi (AKL - DEL) $1,399+
• Flight Wellington - Mumbai (WLG - BOM) $1,434+
• Flight Auckland - Chennai (AKL - MAA) $1,435+
• Flight Auckland - Ahmedabad (AKL - AMD) $1,437+
• Flight Wellington - New Delhi (WLG - DEL) $1,442+
• Flight Wellington - Hyderabad (WLG - HYD) $1,485+

Tonga flights

• Flight Auckland - Nuku‘alofa (AKL - TBU) $504+
• Flight Christchurch - Nuku‘alofa (CHC - TBU) $731+
• Flight Wellington - Nuku‘alofa (WLG - TBU) $759+
• Flight Queenstown - Nuku‘alofa (ZQN - TBU) $1,043+
• Flight Blenheim - Nuku‘alofa (BHE - TBU) $1,160+
• Flight Auckland - Vava'u (AKL - VAV) $1,714+

Dunedin flights

• Flight Auckland - Dunedin (AKL - DUD) $146+
• Flight Wellington - Dunedin (WLG - DUD) $152+
• Flight Palmerston North - Dunedin (PMR - DUD) $443+
• Flight Hamilton - Dunedin (HLZ - DUD) $459+

Palmerston North flights

• Flight Christchurch - Palmerston North (CHC - PMR) $285+
• Flight Auckland - Palmerston North (AKL - PMR) $307+

New Delhi flights

• Flight Queenstown - New Delhi (ZQN - DEL) $1,374+
• Flight Auckland - New Delhi (AKL - DEL) $1,407+
• Flight Wellington - New Delhi (WLG - DEL) $1,411+
• Flight Christchurch - New Delhi (CHC - DEL) $1,522+
• Flight Napier - New Delhi (NPE - DEL) $2,251+
• Flight Tauranga - New Delhi (TRG - DEL) $2,355+

Melbourne flights

• Flight Auckland - Melbourne (AKL - MEL) $368+
• Flight Queenstown - Melbourne (ZQN - MEL) $421+
• Flight Christchurch - Melbourne (CHC - MEL) $426+
• Flight Wellington - Melbourne (WLG - MEL) $544+
• Flight Dunedin - Melbourne (DUD - MEL) $801+
• Flight Nelson - Melbourne (NSN - MEL) $842+
• Flight Rotorua - Melbourne (ROT - MEL) $908+

Brisbane flights

• Flight Auckland - Brisbane (AKL - BNE) $332+
• Flight Wellington - Brisbane (WLG - BNE) $469+
• Flight Christchurch - Brisbane (CHC - BNE) $499+
• Flight Queenstown - Brisbane (ZQN - BNE) $598+
• Flight Dunedin - Brisbane (DUD - BNE) $615+
• Flight Tauranga - Brisbane (TRG - BNE) $777+
• Flight Palmerston North - Brisbane (PMR - BNE) $816+

Coolangatta flights

• Flight Wellington - Coolangatta (WLG - OOL) $345+
• Flight Auckland - Coolangatta (AKL - OOL) $371+
• Flight Christchurch - Coolangatta (CHC - OOL) $416+
• Flight Queenstown - Coolangatta (ZQN - OOL) $464+
• Flight Dunedin - Coolangatta (DUD - OOL) $776+
• Flight Invercargill - Coolangatta (IVC - OOL) $835+
• Flight Palmerston North - Coolangatta (PMR - OOL) $981+
• Flight Blenheim - Coolangatta (BHE - OOL) $1,013+
• Flight Napier - Coolangatta (NPE - OOL) $1,084+
• Flight Hamilton - Coolangatta (HLZ - OOL) $1,232+

Manila flights

• Flight Auckland - Manila (AKL - MNL) $1,099+
• Flight Wellington - Manila (WLG - MNL) $1,187+
• Flight Christchurch - Manila (CHC - MNL) $1,212+
• Flight Tauranga - Manila (TRG - MNL) $1,772+

Europe flights

• Flight Auckland - Rome (AKL - FCO) $1,295+
• Flight Auckland - Paris (AKL - CDG) $1,401+
• Flight Auckland - Amsterdam (AKL - AMS) $1,440+
• Flight Auckland - Istanbul (AKL - IST) $1,575+

Asia flights

• Flight Auckland - Guangzhou (AKL - CAN) $622+
• Flight Auckland - Shanghai (AKL - SHA) $646+
• Flight Auckland - Shanghai (AKL - PVG) $646+
• Flight Auckland - Kuala Lumpur (AKL - KUL) $779+
• Flight Auckland - Denpasar (AKL - DPS) $880+
• Flight Auckland - Tokyo (AKL - NRT) $930+
• Flight Auckland - Ho Chi Minh City (AKL - SGN) $973+

Nelson flights

• Flight Auckland - Nelson (AKL - NSN) $194+
• Flight Christchurch - Nelson (CHC - NSN) $201+
• Flight Wellington - Nelson (WLG - NSN) $204+
• Flight Tauranga - Nelson (TRG - NSN) $320+

Hamilton flights

• Flight Wellington - Hamilton (WLG - HLZ) $176+
• Flight Christchurch - Hamilton (CHC - HLZ) $237+
• Flight Auckland - Hamilton (AKL - HLZ) $507+
• Flight Dunedin - Hamilton (DUD - HLZ) $559+

Sydney flights

• Flight Auckland - Sydney (AKL - SYD) $325+
• Flight Wellington - Sydney (WLG - SYD) $464+
• Flight Queenstown - Sydney (ZQN - SYD) $517+
• Flight Christchurch - Sydney (CHC - SYD) $537+
• Flight Dunedin - Sydney (DUD - SYD) $622+
• Flight Nelson - Sydney (NSN - SYD) $875+
• Flight Palmerston North - Sydney (PMR - SYD) $910+
• Flight Rotorua - Sydney (ROT - SYD) $910+
• Flight Hamilton - Sydney (HLZ - SYD) $932+
• Flight Timaru - Sydney (TIU - SYD) $945+

Christchurch flights

• Flight Wellington - Christchurch (WLG - CHC) $73+
• Flight Auckland - Christchurch (AKL - CHC) $91+
• Flight Nelson - Christchurch (NSN - CHC) $181+
• Flight Dunedin - Christchurch (DUD - CHC) $184+
• Flight Rotorua - Christchurch (ROT - CHC) $235+
• Flight Queenstown - Christchurch (ZQN - CHC) $257+
• Flight Palmerston North - Christchurch (PMR - CHC) $269+
• Flight New Plymouth - Christchurch (NPL - CHC) $278+
• Flight Napier - Christchurch (NPE - CHC) $288+
• Flight Hamilton - Christchurch (HLZ - CHC) $290+
• Flight Tauranga - Christchurch (TRG - CHC) $338+

Los Angeles flights

• Flight Auckland - Los Angeles (AKL - LAX) $1,169+
• Flight Christchurch - Los Angeles (CHC - LAX) $1,609+
• Flight Wellington - Los Angeles (WLG - LAX) $1,654+
• Flight Queenstown - Los Angeles (ZQN - LAX) $1,896+
• Flight Hamilton - Los Angeles (HLZ - LAX) $2,105+

Bali flights

• Flight Auckland - Bali (AKL - IDBA) $880+
• Flight Queenstown - Bali (ZQN - IDBA) $1,092+
• Flight Wellington - Bali (WLG - IDBA) $1,149+
• Flight Christchurch - Bali (CHC - IDBA) $1,227+
• Flight Tauranga - Bali (TRG - IDBA) $1,374+
• Flight New Plymouth - Bali (NPL - IDBA) $1,437+
• Flight Palmerston North - Bali (PMR - IDBA) $1,623+

Queenstown flights

• Flight Auckland - Queenstown (AKL - ZQN) $128+
• Flight Wellington - Queenstown (WLG - ZQN) $148+
• Flight Christchurch - Queenstown (CHC - ZQN) $237+
• Flight Napier - Queenstown (NPE - ZQN) $335+
• Flight Hamilton - Queenstown (HLZ - ZQN) $350+
• Flight Nelson - Queenstown (NSN - ZQN) $406+
• Flight New Plymouth - Queenstown (NPL - ZQN) $514+

New Zealand flights

• Flight Wellington - Christchurch (WLG - CHC) $81+
• Flight Auckland - Christchurch (AKL - CHC) $94+
• Flight Auckland - Wellington (AKL - WLG) $98+

Fiji flights

• Flight Auckland - Suva (AKL - SUV) $729+
• Flight Auckland - Labasa (AKL - LBS) $771+
• Flight Auckland - Savusavu (AKL - SVU) $845+

Napier flights

• Flight Auckland - Napier (AKL - NPE) $204+
• Flight Wellington - Napier (WLG - NPE) $207+
• Flight Christchurch - Napier (CHC - NPE) $240+

Tauranga flights

• Flight Wellington - Tauranga (WLG - TRG) $202+
• Flight Auckland - Tauranga (AKL - TRG) $224+
• Flight Christchurch - Tauranga (CHC - TRG) $270+
• Flight Nelson - Tauranga (NSN - TRG) $320+
• Flight Blenheim - Tauranga (BHE - TRG) $373+

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight.

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside New Zealand over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Tuesday. For international flights, Friday had the cheapest tickets on average.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs, but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re travelling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 week before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 week prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with car hire, holiday packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional return ticket.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was November, while the most expensive was April. If you’re booking an international flight, then February is the cheapest month to fly and December the most expensive.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying direct is not possible and you will have to fly with stopover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a stopover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than direct flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.nz.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible 'weekend' or 'month' search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Moscow Visit Moscow on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Moscow Costs

• Is Moscow Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Moscow cost?
• Russia Costs
• Saint Petersburg
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Vladivostok
• How much does it cost to travel to Moscow? (Average Daily Cost)
• Moscow trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Moscow expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Moscow?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Moscow?

You should plan to spend around $63 (₽5,802) per day on your vacation in Moscow. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $14 (₽1,315) on meals
• $6.14 (₽566) on local transportation
• $80 (₽7,330) on hotels

A one week trip to Moscow for two people costs, on average, $882 (₽81,233) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 63 ₽ 5,802
• One Week Per person $ 441 ₽ 40,617
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 882 ₽ 81,233
• One Month Per person $ 1,889 ₽ 174,071
• One Week For a couple $ 882 ₽ 81,233
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 1,763 ₽ 162,467
• One Month For a couple $ 3,779 ₽ 348,143

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Moscow cost?

A one week trip to Moscow usually costs around $441 (₽40,617) for one person and $882 (₽81,233) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Moscow on average costs around $882 (₽81,233) for one person and $1,763 (₽162,467) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Moscow will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Moscow on average costs around $1,889 (₽174,071) for one person and $3,779 (₽348,143) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Moscow has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Moscow is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in Russia, which is a reasonably affordable country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It is in the top 10% of cities in the country for its overall travel expenses. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Moscow is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Moscow Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Moscow?

The average Moscow trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Moscow travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Moscow

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Moscow is $40 (₽3,665). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Moscow is $80 (₽7,330). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 40 ₽ 3,665
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 80 ₽ 7,330

Hotel Prices in Moscow

Looking for a hotel in Moscow? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Transportation Budget in Moscow

The cost of a taxi ride in Moscow is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $6.14 (₽566) per person, per day, on local transportation in Moscow.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 6.14 ₽ 566

Recommended Services

• Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) Viator $ 41
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Flights to Moscow

Rental cars in moscow, what did other people spend on transportation in moscow.

Typical prices for Transportation in Moscow are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Moscow, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Two Metro Passes ₽ 135

Food Budget in Moscow

While meal prices in Moscow can vary, the average cost of food in Moscow is $14 (₽1,315) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Moscow should cost around $5.71 (₽526) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Moscow is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 14 ₽ 1,315

What did other people spend on Food in Moscow?

Typical prices for Food in Moscow are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Moscow, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch for Two ₽ 550
• Lunch in the Center Market ₽ 300
• Breakfast for 2 ₽ 1,000

Entertainment Budget in Moscow

Entertainment and activities in Moscow typically cost an average of $16 (₽1,471) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 16 ₽ 1,471

Recommended Activities

• 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu Viator $ 144
• 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower Viator $ 250

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Moscow?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Moscow are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Moscow, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Theater Tickets ₽ 1,150
• Kremlin Entry (2) ₽ 1,000

Tips and Handouts Budget in Moscow

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Moscow is $0.25 (₽23) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Moscow is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 0.25 ₽ 23

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Moscow

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Moscow is $1.25 (₽115), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 1.25 ₽ 115

Alcohol Budget in Moscow

The average person spends about $7.89 (₽727) on alcoholic beverages in Moscow per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 7.89 ₽ 727

Water Budget in Moscow

On average, people spend $0.70 (₽64) on bottled water in Moscow per day. The public water in Moscow is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.70 ₽ 64

Related Articles

Moscow on a budget.

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Food and dining, transportation.

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Prices & travel costs in Moscow

Are restaurants expensive? How much does a coffee cost? How much money should you bring for a few days in Moscow? Discover how much it costs to travel to Russia and plan ahead to save money on your trip!

Moscow can be an expensive city to travel to, although booking hotels in advance can often mean finding good deals and saving money. Having said that, transport is relatively affordable, and exploring the Moscow Metro is like being in an art museum; parks, churches, and free walking tours provide a great way to save money, and it's possible to find deals at  restaurants to suit all budgets.

Tipping in Moscow  is not as widely expected as in other countries of the world. Tip tour guides around 10% of their daily rate, but in taxis, hotels, and restaurants only if the service warrants it.

Check out the currency conversions from the Russian Rouble here .

A few examples

Food and drink.

• Coffee: 65 - ₽ 150 ( US$ 1.60)
• Beer: ₽ 300 ( US$ 3.20)
• Small bottle of water: ₽ 100 ( US$ 1.10)
• Two-course meal in a restaurant: ₽ 1,200 ( US$ 13)
• Fixed-price lunch menu deal: 400 - ₽ 600 ( US$ 6.50)
• Single  metro  ticket: ₽ 55 ( US$ 0.60)
• Taxi from  Moscow Domodedovo Airport to the center: from ₽ 2,000 ( US$ 21.60)

Accommodation

• Single bed in a shared dorm room: from ₽ 600 ( US$ 6.50)
• Double room in a budget hotel: from ₽ 1,200 ( US$ 13)
• Well-rated, central hotels: from ₽ 3,000 ( US$ 32.40)
• Luxury hotels: from ₽ 10,000 ( US$ 108.20)

Entrance fees

• Entrance to the  Kremlin : ₽ 700 ( US$ 7.60)
• Entrance to the Pushkin Museum : ₽ 400 ( US$ 4.30)
• Entrance to the Tretyakov Gallery : ₽ 500 ( US$ 5.40)

You may also be interested in

Spring, summer, autumn or winter: learn all about the weather in Moscow so you can decide when to travel and what to pack!

Find out when museums and monuments will be open and what dates to visit to celebrate holidays like a local. Discover Moscow's public holiday dates.

Economy airline tickets are more expensive, but business class has actually gotten cheaper

It’s true – airfares are going up, but not as much as the price of other goods and services .

“While airfare has risen in nominal terms in (the) U.S. and Europe, consumers will appreciate that the increases are less than other consumables,” Jeremy Bowen, CEO of aviation analytics company Cirium, said in a statement. “Cirium’s data teams will continue to monitor the impact on fares of increased capacity in the market, despite challenges related to the availability of aircraft, be it due to groundings, engine issues, or supply chain constraints.”

According to Cirium’s data, the average domestic airfare in the U.S. was $179.25 in 2023, 9% more than in 2019.

Cirium said it compared those figures to the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, which showed overall inflation at 19% in the same period.

Transatlantic airfare was also up in 2023, at $435.17 for a one-way economy ticket, compared to $381.08 in 2019, a 14% increase – still below inflation.

Cruising Altitude: I will fight for overhead space on a plane, but I shouldn't have to

Premium tickets have actually gone down in relative terms across the Atlantic. In 2023, a business class ticket was 3% cheaper on average than it was in 2019.

Business travel has been slower to recover post-pandemic than leisure, which may mean some airlines are discounting their business class tickets to help fill the cabins.

For travelers, the price adjustments mean flying in any cabin is a relatively good deal, since prices in other sectors of the economy are rising more quickly.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Renew your Global Entry now before the price goes up

Skipping long immigration lines will soon set you back $120.

The price of avoiding long airport lines is going up.

Customs and Border Protection announced this week that fees are going up for expedited security programs including Global Entry, which gives users faster clearance when entering the country and lets them use expedited lanes at security checkpoints. The cost will increase from $100 to $120 on Oct. 1.

The agency said in a news release that the price has not changed in 15 years and that the new fee is “better reflecting the program costs.”

“As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs,” the news release says.

Customs and Border Protection says on its website that it can take “several months” to get an application processed. Customers need to fill out an application online, await conditional approval, then take the final step of doing an in-person interview. That can happen at an enrollment center ahead of travel or upon arriving in the country at participating airports.

The changes come with one perk for families: Those under 18 who apply for Global Entry with a parent or legal guardian who is already a member or also applying will no longer have to pay a fee. They have been required to pay $100 with their application.

For those who find the new price too steep — or the uncertain wait time too onerous — the agency suggests another option: Mobile Passport Control .

The app, which some call the “best-kept secret in air travel,” lets travelers submit their photo, customs declaration and passport to streamline their return to the country at approved airports. There’s often a separate line for MPC at airports.

“Travelers who successfully use the MPC app will no longer have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue,” the Customs and Border Protection website says. “As a result, travelers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing.”

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

Southwest Airlines One-Way Wanna Get Away Airfares to Select Cities

Editor's notes & price research.

• 21-day advance purchase required.
• Purchase from April 2 through April 11, 2024 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
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• Fares valid on nonstop service where indicated; if not indicated, fares are valid on single connecting service.
• Review the offer page for the complete terms and conditions.
• Consider signing up for Rapid Rewards to earn points you can use for any seat, any time. There are no blackout dates and points don't expire ( free to join ).
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A solar eclipse. Summer travel. Here's why gas prices will rise in NJ this month

3-minute read.

A solar eclipse. Summer travel. More expensive blends of gas for the warm weather. 

These can all jack gas prices up over the next month, according to analysts.

Right now, New Jersey’s gas prices are 30 cents less than the national average, according to travel club AAA. 

Expect that to change in just a few weeks, analysts say, as the Northeast region switches from the cheaper winter blends of gasoline to the more expensive summer blends. 

That increase, set to take place through roughly April 15, means a “disappointing next couple of weeks,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.com.  

“The price that wholesalers and fuel distributors will pay when they load up their gas trucks or deliver fuel to retail gas stations, basically overnight they’re going to pay about 30 cents more a gallon,” added Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast.

Even sooner is the solar eclipse on Monday, which might drive up demand as drivers in the Northeast try to find the best viewing spot, Schieldrop said. That spike could barrel into the switch towards the more expensive summer blend. 

As of Thursday, the New Jersey average price was $3.25 a gallon, compared to the national average of $3.56 a gallon, according to AAA , and a state average of $3.15 a month ago. 

Granted, that’s less than the $5.05 a gallon state average New Jersey saw in June 2022, when inflation hit a 40-year high. 

While rare, some gas stations were still selling at under $3 a gallon, according to data from GasBuddy. That includes U.S Gas at 6 U.S. 46 in Fairfield and Conoco at 3440 U.S 46 West in Parsippany, as of Wednesday. 

“So enjoy these prices,” De Haan said. But he doubted prices could top $4 a gallon in the near future. 

Schieldrop said that crummy weather combined with lower demand in the Northeast kept gas prices low. Other factors such as the switch to electric vehicles and newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles have kept down the demand for gasoline, he said. 

When could it spike?

Schieldrop said the spike to as much as $4 a gallon or more could happen close to Memorial Day weekend or the month afterward, as people gear up to hit the road. 

Why the delayed price increase?

The Northeast is the last region in the continental United States to feel the spring weather, and that means they’re later to switch from the winter to summer blend, De Haan said. 

The difference between the winter and summer blends comes down to the fuel’s Reid vapor pressure, which determines how easily the gas can evaporate at a given temperature. 

In the winter, the gasoline used has a higher RVP, meaning it evaporates easier and enables the car to start in colder weather, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores . 

Summer gas is the opposite, the NACS said, and it’s more expensive because production takes longer and the yield per barrel of oil is lower. 

What else is at play?

De Haan, from GasBuddy.com, said that production cuts by OPEC, an association of oil-producing countries, could squeeze oil prices higher. 

As of Thursday morning, West Texas Intermediate crude oil was trading at $85.35 a barrel, according to MarketWatch . Brent crude oil was trading at $89.29 a barrel . 

But Brent crude oil was $10 less at the start of the year, MarketWatch data shows. 

“These cuts are slowly inflicting more pain,” De Haan said. 

But if these production cuts continue and deepen, and oil trades at above $95 a barrel, then De Haan warned that gas could reach into the $4 a gallon territory. 

A higher gas tax

In March. Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill increasing the gas tax by 2 cents per year for five years to finance transportation infrastructure projects across the state. The first hike is expected to hit on Jan. 1 next year. 

Daniel Munoz covers business, consumer affairs, labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record. 

Email:  [email protected] ; Twitter: @danielmunoz100

AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Storm Clouds Abroad Have Gas Prices on Edge

By: andrew gross.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2024)—Despite ominous overseas news, a pop in domestic gasoline demand, and oil prices rising to the mid-$80s per barrel, the national average for a gallon of gas climbed just three pennies to $3.56 since last week.

“Renewed Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure and increasing tension in the Middle East spiked oil prices recently,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And with the cost of oil accounting for roughly 60% of what we pay at the pump, there will likely be some upward pressure on prices.”

For the complete report, including the latest EIA data and oil market dynamics, please visit:  https://gasprices.aaa.com/storm-clouds-abroad-have-gas-prices-on-edge/

Please note that the AAA gas report will be going on Spring Break next week and will return on April 18 th .