Low-cost Spanish airline Volotea says its flyers may be affected by rising or falling airfare amid the globe’s disrupted oil supply caused by the Iran War.
In an April 14 press release, Volotea explained that “in a global context marked by uncertainty and high energy price volatility,” it’s rolling out an adaptable pricing model. The latter will affect future bookings and those made on or after March 16. Based on fuel market prices a week before a booking’s departure, the carrier may adjust the price of your airfare up or down.
If the cost is rising, Volotea says airfare could be subject to up to a €14 surcharge per passenger, per flight. The carrier will inform flyers of any changes to their booking costs with “several pre-flight notifications.” Additionally, as part of Volotea’s Fair Travel Promise, the carrier allows free booking modifications or cancellations up to four hours before a flight’s scheduled departure.
The Spanish budget airline noted that its pricing model will not be the introduction of “arbitrary fixed fuel surcharges.” Instead, the new strategy is “an exceptional and temporary measure, designed to protect travelers and ensure operational stability, while minimizing the impact amid evolving global conditions.”
Under Volotea’s new model, should fuel market prices call for a reduction in airfare costs, “the company is committed to refunding customers the difference, up to the same maximum amount.”
What Else Is There To Know About The Impact Of Increased Jet Fuel On Flyers?
Sharing more information about its Fair Travel Promise, Volotea noted that the pricing strategy it’s implementing is an attempt at balance. It noted an effort to maintain low fares while proportionally adjusting for “extraordinary situations,” like “the current situation in the Middle East.”
The ongoing Iran War has had major implications for global oil supply and circulation, including jet fuel. After tensions escalated between the U.S. and Israel and Iran in late February, the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for a substantial percentage of the world’s oil supply, has been closed.
In recent weeks, several major U.S. airlines have increased baggage fees due to higher operational costs linked to fuel prices. Those carriers are Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines (including Hawaiian Airlines).
