Travelers hoping airfares will fall once jet fuel prices cool down could be in for a rude awakening.

Airline CEOs are already signaling they plan to keep ticket prices elevated — even if their biggest cost starts to ease.

“The longer consumers pay these prices and airlines get used to this revenue stream, the more likely it is (to hold),” Scott Kirby told investors on United’s latest earnings call last week.

United CEO Scott Kirby says higher airfares are likely to stick even if fuel costs fall. AFP via Getty Images

Passengers are already feeling the squeeze .…