Higher jet-fuel prices may crimp your summer travel budget

Summer vacation may cost more this year than you expected: Rising jet-fuel prices are pinching airline profit margins, prompting carriers to consider raising fares.

The months from July through August, when most U.S. students are out of school, are historically the busiest for the airline industry, and accommodating the additional fliers requires more fuel — among the industry’s largest expenses and one with a price tag that has been rising since the beginning of the year. In the 12 months through April, the average price per barrel increased roughly 46.5 percent to $89.30, according to the International Air Transport Association.