US-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $9.3 billion in January — a 5% increase over the same month last year, according to the latest report from Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). Monthly sales (up 39%) and passenger trip totals (up 40%) were significantly higher than December 2024, which reflects the typical seasonal pattern.
Total passenger trips settled by ARC topped 26.7 million, with 16.4 million trips coming from US domestic travel and 10.3 million trips from international travel.
The average ticket price was $557, down 1% month over month and up 2% over January 2024. The average economy class ticket price was $471, the same as the previous month and up 1% over 2024. The average premium class ticket price was $1,224, up 1% over the previous month and down 2% from the previous year.
Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer, said the sales data showed the average price for airline premium seats in 2024 was the lowest it’s been over the past three years. He said this is “great news for travelers looking to upgrade their air travel experience without breaking the bank.” With business and leisure travel demand remaining high in January, said Solomon, “travel agencies have plenty to be optimistic about to start 2025.”
NDC transactions accounted for 18.4% of the total ARC reported and settled transactions in January 2025 — a 9% increase from 16.9% in January 2024. A total of 896 travel agencies reported NDC transactions during January 2025.
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