local
High gas prices and airfare are changing summer travel plans for millions of Americans
By Caresse Jackman at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
For Midland residents, the surge in gas prices and airfare is particularly felt, given the city's remote location in the Permian Basin. With limited public transportation options, driving is often the primary mode of transportation, making high gas prices a significant concern. As a result, locals may be more inclined to explore nearby attractions, such as state parks or local events, rather than embarking on long-distance trips. This shift in travel plans could have a positive impact on the local economy, as residents opt to spend their summer vacations closer to home, supporting local businesses and attractions. Additionally, the emphasis on flexibility and credit card rewards as cost-saving strategies may resonate with Midland residents, who are accustomed to navigating the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry, and are likely to appreciate practical advice on managing expenses.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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