Summer Vacations Get Pricier: Spirit Airlines Shuts Down, Gas Prices Soar

Planning a summer vacation? Get ready to pay more than ever before. Two major problems are making travel much more expensive: Spirit Airlines has shut down, and gas prices are climbing higher.

## What Happened to Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines was known as a budget airline (a company that offers very cheap flights). When they closed down, there were suddenly fewer flights available. When there's less of something people want, prices usually go up. That's exactly what's happening with airplane tickets.

## Why Are Gas Prices So High?

Fuel prices (the cost of gasoline and jet fuel) have been rising steadily. This affects travelers in two ways: • Driving costs more - If you're planning a road trip, filling up your gas tank will cost significantly more • Flying costs more - Airlines need fuel for their planes, and when fuel gets expensive, they pass that cost to passengers through higher ticket prices

## What This Means for Your Wallet

The average family planning a summer vacation might pay 30-50% more than last year. Here's what's getting more expensive: • Airplane tickets (up 40% on some routes) • Gas for road trips (up $1.50 per gallon) • Rental cars (fewer available, higher prices)

## The Bottom Line

Summer 2026 will be the most expensive travel season in years. If you're planning a vacation, budget extra money for transportation costs. Consider traveling during off-peak times or choosing destinations closer to home to save money.

This is an AI-generated summary. Read the original article at: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/23/summer-travel-gas-airfare.html