U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Reach $52.3 Billion in First Half of 2025

Caribbean News…
16 July 2025 9:11pm
Business
air ticket sales

According to new data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), U.S. travel agency air ticket sales totaled $52.3 billion between January and June 2025, representing a slight 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this dip in revenue, passenger trips increased by 2%, indicating continued strong demand for air travel.

Passenger growth was evident across both sectors:

  • U.S. domestic trips: 95.1 million (+2%)

  • International trips: 57.6 million (+3%)

  • Total passenger trips: 152.7 million

Meanwhile, the average ticket price for the first half of the year dropped 2% year-over-year, down to $543, which may have contributed to the lower total sales figure.

“Airlines and travel agencies were challenged with a rapidly changing economic environment,” said Steve Solomon, Chief Commercial Officer at ARC. “Yet, our data shows the strength of air travel demand, underscoring its role in connecting people and businesses.”

June 2025 Snapshot

For June alone, total ticket sales held steady at $7.6 billion, matching June 2024 figures despite an 11% month-over-month decline from May 2025. Passenger volume also saw a 3% increase year-over-year, with the average ticket price rising to $536.

Key June metrics:

  • Passenger trips: 23.4 million (+3% YoY)

    • Domestic: 14.7 million (+3%)

    • International: 8.7 million (+3%)

  • Average economy fare: $493 (+2% YoY, +7% MoM)

  • Average premium class fare: $1,258 (+4% YoY, +5% MoM)

Online Travel Agencies Outperform Traditional Channels

Travel agencies specializing in online bookings saw a 7% rise in passenger trips, while leisure and corporate agencies both experienced 3% declines. This shift underscores a broader trend toward digital platforms for air travel purchases.

NDC Transactions Gain Ground

NDC (New Distribution Capability) ticketing continued its slow but steady rise, comprising 21.9% of all ARC-settled transactions in June — up from 21.5% a year ago. A total of 968 travel agencies reported NDC activity last month.

Looking Ahead

As the travel industry adapts to fluctuating market conditions and evolving consumer behaviors, ARC's data points to resilient demand paired with changing ticketing dynamics. Lower prices and increased international travel signal that air travel remains a strong and adaptable sector amid broader economic uncertainties.

Back to top