U.S. Travel Agencies Report $8.6 Billion in Air Ticket Sales for February 2025

In February 2025, U.S.-based travel agencies reported air ticket sales totaling $8.6 billion, a 4% decrease compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). Despite this drop, international travel helped sustain overall passenger trip numbers, which decreased by just 1% year-over-year, reaching 24 million passengers.

Domestic air travel saw a larger decline, with 14.7 million domestic trips recorded, a 2% decrease from February 2024. However, international trips remained steady, with 9.3 million passengers traveling abroad, showing no change from the previous year. The average ticket price for all passengers in February 2025 was $562, reflecting a 2% decrease from the previous year.

Interestingly, the premium class ticket price remained stable at $1,238, while economy class tickets saw a slight drop to $482. Both categories saw only modest changes, with premium class tickets decreasing by 2% and economy class tickets dropping by just 1%. This data highlights the persistent demand for air travel despite slight fluctuations in pricing.

The NDC (New Distribution Capability) transactions also grew, accounting for 19.1% of total ARC transactions in February 2025, up from 17.9% in February 2024. This increase signifies a growing adoption of modern distribution technologies within the travel agency sector, with 860 agencies reporting NDC transactions.

ARC, a key player in the air travel industry, processes over $99 billion annually in U.S.-based agency air sales, offering crucial insights that influence decisions across airlines and travel agencies.