U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Reach All-Time High in 2024
The U.S. travel agency sector achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, with air ticket sales totaling $99.2 billion, marking a 4% increase compared to 2023, according to data released today by Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). This record-setting figure represents the highest annual sales total ever recorded by ARC.
The strong performance was particularly evident in December, when travel agencies saw $6.7 billion in ticket sales, a 17% rise year-over-year. Passenger trips for the month also saw a notable increase, climbing 13% to 19 million, driven by both domestic and international travel.
One of the key trends in the final month of 2024 was the growth of New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions, which made up 20.3% of ARC’s total reported and settled transactions, up from 18.4% in December 2023. NDC transactions surged by over 50% compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing importance of modern technology in airline retailing.
For the year, the key metrics were as follows:
- Total Sales: $99.2 billion (up 4% from 2023)
- Total Passenger Trips: 284.9 million (up 6% from 2023)
- Domestic Trips: 179.4 million (up 7% from 2023)
- International Trips: 105.5 million (up 4% from 2023)
- Average Ticket Price: $561 (up 4% from 2023)
Steve Solomon, Chief Commercial Officer at ARC, commented, “2024 was an exceptional year for the air travel industry, with consistent sales growth and a strong finish in December. The growth in both ticket sales and passenger trips reflects the collective efforts of airlines, travel agencies, and technology providers working together to support the evolving needs of travelers.”
The year’s growth also highlights the increasing role of technology in air travel, with NDC transactions gaining momentum as a key component of modern airline retailing.
