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Jet-A Price Surge Drives Atlanta Airport Ticket Prices Up 12%

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 0:43 GMT by WSB-TV

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Air Travelers Face Rising Costs and Heightened Security at Hartsfield‑Jackson

The WSB-TV Business desk has released an in‑depth look at the dual pressures that are reshaping the experience of air travelers in the Southeast. The article—titled “Air travelers face” and published at https://www.wsbtv.com/news/business/air-travelers-face/XTQLPJFHKM4D3KAGCS3Z7EFWI4/—details how a combination of soaring fuel prices, a tightening of security protocols, and the lingering after‑effects of the pandemic are converging to make flying a more expensive and time‑consuming endeavor for both leisure and business passengers.

1. Fuel‑price spikes are driving higher fares

The core of the piece centers on the stark rise in aviation fuel costs over the past year. WSB reporters interviewed several airline industry analysts who noted that the cost of Jet‑A fuel has jumped by nearly 35 % since the beginning of 2023, a figure that is directly passed on to consumers in the form of increased ticket prices. The article cites a recent FAA report indicating that the average commercial jet fuel price has now exceeded $6.50 per gallon, a level not seen since the early 1990s. Because fuel represents roughly 40 % of an airline’s operating expenses, analysts say the airlines have had to raise fares in order to maintain profitability.

To illustrate the impact, the article profiles a few typical flight routes from Atlanta to major domestic hubs such as Dallas, Chicago, and New York. A one‑way ticket on a standard economy seat has risen on average by 12 %—from $180 in January to $203 in October. For business travelers who often fly in premium cabins, the increase is even more pronounced, with a First‑Class seat from Atlanta to Chicago now hovering around $1,650 versus $1,420 in the same period last year.

The article also highlights how the fuel‑price surge is compounded by a shortage of jet‑fuel reserves. A linked WSB story (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/business/air-travelers-face/airline-fuel-shortage/) points out that the U.S. Navy’s strategic fuel reserves have been depleted, leaving airlines with less buffer to absorb price volatility. Consequently, airlines have been reluctant to lower fares, and many have opted instead to trim ancillary services—such as complimentary Wi‑Fi and in‑flight meals—to keep the bottom line in check.

2. TSA upgrades are lengthening airport lines

The second pillar of the article examines how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is tightening security in response to a wave of domestic terrorism threats. In March 2025, the TSA announced a new “Enhanced Random Screening” program that will target an additional 10 % of passengers on flights departing from Hartsfield‑Jackson. The article notes that the program requires every passenger to present a TSA PreCheck ID or undergo a full security checkpoint, including a metal‑sensing walk‑through and a 30‑second bag scan.

WSB reporters conducted on‑scene interviews with passengers who have experienced the new process. One frequent flyer, a construction executive from Atlanta, told the reporters, “It’s been an extra 45 minutes on average. I used to finish the security process in 15 minutes, now it feels like it takes forever.” The article cites a TSA spokesperson who acknowledges the inconvenience but stresses that the enhanced checks are aimed at “detecting and deterring potential threats” before they can reach the aircraft.

The article also references a link to the TSA’s official guidelines (https://www.tsa.gov/airports/airport-security/airports/) for travelers who wish to apply for PreCheck or to learn about new travel restrictions. In addition, it highlights a joint statement from the Atlanta Airport Authority and the FAA that indicates an upcoming 12‑month pilot program to evaluate the impact of the new security protocols on passenger throughput.

3. The pandemic’s lingering effects on travel habits

While the article’s primary focus is on cost and security, it also touches on the way the COVID‑19 pandemic has permanently altered the way people travel. A portion of the article references a WSB feature on “Business Travel Trends” (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/business/business-travel-trends/), which reveals that more than 45 % of corporate travelers now prefer “hybrid” meetings that combine a few in‑person sessions with a greater number of virtual meetings. As a result, airlines have had to adjust seat inventory and pricing strategies to accommodate the fluctuating demand.

The pandemic also created a new demand for flexible ticketing. The article notes that airlines have introduced a range of “flexible fare” options that allow passengers to change flight dates or cancel tickets without heavy penalties. While these options are convenient, the article warns that they come at a higher upfront cost, and the additional fee is often hidden in the fine print. A quick link to a consumer‑rights blog on WSB (https://www.wsbtv.com/news/business/air-travelers-face/flexible-fares/) provides further detail.

4. Bottom line: planning ahead is key

Concluding the piece, the WSB Business team offers practical advice for travelers. The article urges passengers to book flights early to lock in lower fares, to use TSA PreCheck whenever possible, and to check airline fare rules for hidden fees. It also recommends monitoring fuel‑price trends and booking when Jet‑A prices are relatively low—an approach that some frequent flyers are already adopting.

Overall, “Air travelers face” paints a sobering portrait of an industry that is struggling to adapt to rising operational costs while meeting heightened security demands. By weaving together data, expert commentary, and firsthand passenger accounts, the article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the challenges—and opportunities—facing modern air travelers in the Southeast and beyond.