Corporate air trips sold by travel agencies in the US increased slightly in September, stopping an eight-month streak of declines, according to Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). Trips sold in September by travel agencies with at least 70% self-reported corporate and government business increased 0.44% compared with September 2024.
Total travel agency air ticket sales at US agencies reached $8.7 billion in September, an 8% year-over-year increase and the highest monthly sales total for September ever recorded by ARC.
Third-quarter air ticket sales and passenger trips reached $25.1 billion and 74.7 million, respectively. Both figures represent a 4% increase year over year and were record-high results for a third quarter.
The average ticket price for September was $558 (up 5% month over month and 2% year over year). The average economy class ticket price was $501, up 3% month over month and 1% year over year. The average premium class ticket price was $1,368, up 5% month over month and 6% year over year.
Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer, said strength in pricing and passenger demand helped ARC-accredited agencies close out the third quarter at record levels. He added, “This trend underscores sustained traveler confidence as well as the expanding vacation travel window into the fall as the industry prepares for the busy holiday travel season.”
NDC transactions accounted for 19.9% of total ARC-settled transactions in September — up from 18.6% in September 2024. A total of 1,130 travel agencies reported NDC transactions in September.
