US-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $9.8 billion in May 2026 — a whopping 15% increase from May 2025, but down 2% from April, according to the latest report from Airlines Reporting Corp. The increase was driven by a significant jump in fares. Total passenger trips settled by ARC remained steady year over year, reaching 25.7 million in May, down 3% month over month and flat year over year.

In other results:

• US domestic trips were 16.2 million, down 2% month over month and up 1% year over year.
• International trips were 9.5 million, down 4% month over month and down 1% year over year.
• The average ticket price was $628, up 1% month over month and up 18% year over year.
• The average economy class ticket price was $569, up 1% month over month and up 20% year over year.
• The average premium class ticket price was $1,429, flat month over month and up 14% year over year.

Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer, said, “The May sales data indicates that air travel demand continues to endure, despite evolving economic and political circumstances.”  Travelers, he said, “are showing a continued prioritization of travel, keeping overall demand steady as we begin the summer travel season.”

NDC transactions also remained steady, accounting for 21.6% of the total ARC-settled transactions in May 2026 — a slight increase from 21.4% in May 2025. In May, 1,197 travel agencies reported NDC transactions.