Delta, United, and Lufthansa Struggling to Meet SAF Targets: Why U.S., Germany, and European Travelers Are Facing Skyrocketing Airfares and Hotel Costs!

Published on December 12, 2025

Delta, United, and Lufthansa Struggling to Meet SAF Targets: Why U.S., Germany, and European Travelers Are Facing Skyrocketing Airfares and Hotel Costs! The aviation industry is facing a significant challenge as airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa struggle to meet their Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets, throwing a wrench in the industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. As SAF, a green alternative to conventional jet fuel, remains costly and limited in supply, the consequences are being felt across the travel sector. U.S., Germany, and European travelers are already seeing the effects, with airfares soaring and hotel costs climbing due to rising fuel prices. With SAF production lagging behind expectations, travelers can expect to face higher costs on flights and accommodations in the near future. As airlines battle to meet their green fuel goals while dealing with supply shortages, tourists are left wondering how these issues will impact their travel plans, budgets, and overall experience in some of the world’s most popular destinations.

Delta, United, and Lufthansa Struggling to Meet SAF Targets: Why U.S., Germany, and European Travelers Are Facing Skyrocketing Airfares and Hotel Costs!

As travelers around the world eagerly plan their vacations, the soaring prices of airfares and hotel accommodations have become a major concern. With global travel on the rise, an unexpected challenge is shaking the foundations of the aviation industry—Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply shortages. The world’s top airlines, including Delta, United, and Lufthansa, are struggling to meet their SAF production targets, which will have a ripple effect on both airfares and the hospitality industry. But what does this mean for tourists looking to plan their next getaway?

Let’s explore how the SAF shortage is impacting the aviation sector, why flight prices are climbing, and how these challenges will affect popular travel destinations like the U.S., Germany, and the rest of Europe. We’ll also discuss the rising costs within the hospitality industry and what travelers need to know to plan ahead.

Delta, United, and Lufthansa Struggling to Meet SAF Targets

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is considered a critical component in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. SAF is made from waste sources such as used cooking oil and agricultural waste, offering a greener alternative to traditional jet fuel. In theory, SAF could reduce aviation-related carbon emissions by up to 80%, making it a key player in achieving the industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the transition to SAF has not been as smooth as expected.

Airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa have committed to using SAF as part of their sustainability pledges. However, SAF production is currently facing numerous hurdles, including limited supply, regulatory bottlenecks, and a high production cost, which is two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. For example, in 2026, IATA expects SAF to account for just 0.8% of global aviation fuel consumption, falling drastically short of the 10% target set by many airlines for the same year. This shortfall poses a challenge to carriers that are trying to meet their green fuel goals.

The aviation industry’s failure to scale up SAF production not only threatens sustainability goals but also has financial implications. Airlines are already dealing with inflationary pressures on fuel costs, which will inevitably be passed on to travelers in the form of higher ticket prices. The lack of SAF availability also affects future flight planning, as airlines may face delays in meeting their sustainability pledges or be forced to adjust routes, adding further complexity to the global air travel landscape.

Why U.S., Germany, and European Travelers Are Facing Skyrocketing Airfares

The United States, Germany, and European Union countries are experiencing the sharpest rise in airfares, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding SAF availability. With SAF making up a smaller percentage of the overall fuel mix than originally anticipated, airlines are left to rely on conventional jet fuel, which has seen its own price spikes. A combination of higher fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and a slow shift to SAF has led to the inevitable: increasing costs for airline tickets.

For instance, a New York to Paris flight on a major carrier like Delta or United could see an average increase of up to 10% over the next year. Similarly, a Frankfurt to Berlin flight operated by Lufthansa may rise by 7-8%, with European carriers struggling to meet SAF quotas while also juggling rising fuel prices. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that airlines will face a $3.6 billion additional fuel bill by 2025, which means that the cost burden will inevitably trickle down to passengers.

While higher fuel costs may seem like a short-term challenge, the reality is that these hikes are expected to continue. With airlines still striving to balance their sustainability goals, many are postponing fleet renewals or flight expansion plans, which will ultimately affect travelers. This means fewer affordable flight options, longer layovers, and potentially more crowded flights as airlines try to optimize their networks to cope with these new costs.

How the SAF Crisis Will Impact the Hospitality Industry

Airfares are not the only travel expenses that are climbing. The hospitality industry is also feeling the pressure of SAF shortages and higher travel costs. As flights become more expensive, travelers will likely reduce their overall budgets for accommodations, dining, and other travel services. Additionally, many hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses that rely on international tourists are bracing for a potential slowdown in tourism as a direct result of high travel costs.

Countries like Germany, France, and Spain—which rely heavily on tourism for revenue—are already seeing signs of a shift. According to recent reports, hotel occupancy rates in major European cities have decreased slightly as travelers become more selective about their destinations and travel dates. High fuel prices also contribute to a rise in the cost of hotel transportation, tours, and excursions, which are typically linked to the aviation industry’s operational costs.

In the United States, areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami could experience a slowdown in international tourist arrivals, particularly from Europe and Asia. Hotel chains are expected to raise their prices in response to the increased travel costs, while tourist hotspots may see reduced visitation as travelers focus more on local or regional vacations rather than expensive long-haul flights.

Flight Details and Travel Tips for Tourists in 2025

As travelers look for ways to mitigate the effects of rising airfares, it’s crucial to keep a few tips in mind when booking flights and accommodations. Here are some expert tips to help you stay ahead of the curve:

• Book Early: With the uncertainty surrounding fuel prices and SAF availability, booking your flights well in advance will give you the best chance to lock in a competitive rate before prices rise further. Airlines are often more transparent with prices for flights that are months out rather than those booked closer to departure.
• Flexible Dates: If you’re open to adjusting your travel dates, you may be able to find more affordable flight options. Certain days of the week—usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays—tend to have lower airfare prices. Traveling during the off-peak seasons can also help you avoid higher costs during popular travel periods like summer or the holidays.
• Consider Alternative Airports: Major airports like Los Angeles International or Frankfurt International might see higher ticket prices due to their high demand. Consider flying into smaller airports in nearby cities and taking public transport or connecting flights to your final destination.
• Check for SAF Initiatives: Some airlines are actively promoting the use of SAF on certain routes or flights. Look for carriers that are making strong sustainability efforts, as they may offer better long-term solutions for green travel without as much fluctuation in ticket prices.
• Accommodation Deals: Many hotels are offering discounts and packages for early bookers, especially as international travel prices rise. If you’re visiting a popular destination like Berlin or Barcelona, look for early booking promotions, loyalty programs, or all-inclusive packages to save on accommodation costs. Keep an eye out for deals that combine airfare and hotel stays for added savings.

The Future of SAF and Its Impact on the Aviation and Hospitality Industries

As airlines struggle to meet SAF production targets, both the aviation and hospitality industries will need to adapt to this evolving situation. While SAF has the potential to be a game-changer for reducing aviation-related carbon emissions, its current limitations in production, cost, and infrastructure are slowing the industry’s transition to a greener future.

However, there is hope on the horizon. Governments around the world are investing heavily in the development of SAF infrastructure. In the United States, a proposed $5 billion investment in biofuels and SAF production is expected to ramp up production in the coming years. Similarly, the European Union has set ambitious goals to ensure that European airlines meet their SAF targets by 2030, though regulatory hurdles remain.

For the time being, travelers should expect to see a fluctuating landscape. Airlines will continue to prioritize routes that can deliver the most significant return on investment, and passengers will feel the effects of higher fuel prices in the form of higher ticket prices and additional fees for amenities. In turn, travelers will likely adjust their behavior to adapt to these new costs, potentially opting for more sustainable and cost-effective travel options closer to home.

Delta, United, and Lufthansa Struggling to Meet SAF Targets: Why U.S., Germany, and European Travelers Are Facing Skyrocketing Airfares and Hotel Costs!

Rising fuel prices and SAF shortages are shaking the travel world—find out how your next flight could cost a lot more and what it means for your vacation plans!

What Travelers Need to Know

As the aviation industry grapples with the challenge of SAF production and the rising costs of traditional jet fuel, U.S., Germany, and European travelers are already seeing the effects. Airfares are climbing, and hotel costs are following suit. While these increases may be necessary for the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry, travelers should prepare for higher travel costs in 2025 and beyond.

For those planning their next international trip, now is the time to plan ahead, book early, and stay flexible to avoid sticker shock. Look out for sustainable travel options and package deals that can help offset some of the increased costs. With SAF slowly becoming a larger part of the aviation fuel mix, it’s likely that we will see more affordable, eco-friendly travel options in the future—but for now, expect a few bumps along the way as the industry navigates this complex transition.

Whether you’re jetting off to the U.S., exploring the heart of Germany, or relaxing in the beauty of southern Europe, understanding these changes and how they affect your travel budget will help you make informed decisions.