Why are airline flights so expensive right now?

[LonePirate]

I was pricing some domestic flights for a trip in June and even on off days (such as a Wednesday to Saturday trip) and I couldn't find anything less than $600 round trip. I normally can fly for $250-$350 round trip. Has the corporate price gouging finally hit the airlines? Has ticket demand skyrocketed as COVID wanes? Fuel prices aren't especially high so I am wondering what's going on with flight prices. People are going to be staying home this summer if prices remain this high.

[Ocelot II]

1. Airlines forward-contract for fuel.

It might be that those contracts have become more expensive, but they still have to lock in their anticipated fuel needs before fuel costs get even higher.

[underpants]

2. Marking to see what answers are here.

[AZProgressive]

3. Supply and demand

Is the usual cause of pricing. You have to find a middle ground between setting the prices not too low but not too high either because less people will buy.

[vsrazdem]

4. I know right. My daughter has to go to Minneapolis in March for on campus

classes for her law school. She is in a hybrid on-line class and has to go three times a year for in-person classes, except last year they did everything on line because of COVID. Every other time she has gone it has been around 250-300. This time it is over 500. She was shocked. I said you better check the rates for June, as as she is graduating and she, my granddaughter and myself need to get tickets booked, and she went ahead and booked now as she found tickets for 330. I don't have idea what is going on with these prices.

[brooklynite]

5. Everything is not a conspiracy theory...

There's pent-up demand for travel, and a lag in sufficient crews for more flights.

[Demsrule86]

6. did you try priceline or some of the discount places...I flew very cheaply recently.