local
High gas prices and airfare are changing summer travel plans for millions of Americans
By Caresse Jackman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
(InvestigateTV) — A new LendingTree survey finds transportation costs are taking a toll on summer travel plans, with 75% of consumers saying expenses like gas and airfare have affected their decisions.Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the impact is significant.“Almo...
Key takeaway “Almost 40% of Americans say that they’re not going to travel between May and September of this year,” Schulz said.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , where Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is a major hub, the impact of high airfare on summer travel plans is likely to be particularly pronounced. With many residents relying on the airport for both business and leisure travel, the survey's findings that 75% of consumers are changing their plans due to transportation costs will resonate with local families and individuals. As Atlantans consider alternative destinations, they may turn to nearby state parks or other regional attractions, providing a potential boost to local tourism. The survey's emphasis on flexibility and credit card rewards as tools for managing travel costs will also be relevant to Atlanta residents, who can apply these strategies to find more affordable options for summer travel. By exploring closer-to-home destinations and being mindful of expenses, Atlantans can still enjoy a summer vacation without breaking the bank.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — A new LendingTree survey finds transportation costs are taking a toll on summer travel plans, with 75% of consumers saying expenses like gas and airfare have affected their decisions.Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the impact is significant.“Almo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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