Travelers should brace for costlier airfares next month after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the fuel surcharge level for both domestic and international flights.

In an advisory dated Feb. 17, the CAB said the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights will be set at Level 5 for the whole month of March, an increase from the current Level 4.

Under Level 5, passengers will be paying ₱151 to ₱542 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, depending on the flight’s distance.

For international flights, the surcharge ranges between ₱498.03 and ₱3,703.11.

Under the current Level 4, airlines can collect an additional fuel fee for domestic flights of ₱117 to ₱342 for domestic flights, depending on the distance.

Meanwhile, the surcharge for international flights ranges from ₱385.70 to ₱2,867.82.

The fuel surcharge is an optional fee, not included in the base airfare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to offset costs incurred from the volatility of jet fuel.

Based on Feb. 14 data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average price of jet fuel stands at $96.11 per barrel, a 0.5 percent increase from last week’s.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge for the same period must file its application with this office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB stated.

Local airlines are now asking travelers to take full advantage of their promotional fares to get the most affordable deal possible.

“With summer travel approaching, we encourage our passengers to book early and take advantage of our lowest fares,” said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.

Low cost-carrier AirAsia, meanwhile, said its piso fare promotion this month is “perfect timing” for those looking to save with their travels.

“Despite the adjustments, AirAsia remains fully committed to fulfilling our brand promise of making air travel safe, accessible and hassle-free for purposeful journeys with family, friends and loved ones,” said AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head First Officer Steve Dailisan.