#United States #Arlington #Airlines Reporting Corp #U.S. Travel Agencies #Air Travel Sales

U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Surpass $100 Billion for the First Time

In an unprecedented development, the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) has announced that U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales have surpassed a staggering $100 billion in 2025. This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the travel industry but also signals a positive trend in air travel following a robust recovery. The reported total stands at $100.4 billion, reflecting a cautious yet promising 1% increase from the previous year, 2024.

Key Highlights of 2025 Ticket Sales

According to ARC’s report, the total passenger trips amounted to approximately 292.9 million, showing a notable 3% increase from 2024. This includes:

• - 183.2 million U.S. domestic trips, reflecting a 2% growth.
• - 109.7 million international trips, with a more pronounced increase of 4%.

Steve Solomon, the Chief Commercial Officer at ARC, emphasized that 2025 was a groundbreaking year for the airline industry. He noted the resilience and the steady demand for air travel as the primary drivers behind this remarkable sales figure. The momentum established during December, where sales reached $7.2 billion alongside nearly 20.4 million passenger trips, suggests a sustained recovery trend leading into 2026.

December Sales Statistics

December marked a significant month, showcasing both monthly and year-over-year growth:

• - Total sales: $7.2 billion (+1% month-over-month, +7% year-over-year)
• - Total passenger trips: 20.4 million (0% change month-over-month, +7% year-over-year)

On the domestic flight front, the numbers varied slightly:

• - U.S. Domestic Trips: 12 million (a decrease of 3% month-over-month, +6% year-over-year)
• - International Trips: 8.4 million (increased by 3% month-over-month, +10% year-over-year)

Average Ticket Prices

The report also detailed trends in ticket pricing, with the average ticket price for the month recorded at $570, showing a healthy 2% increase compared to the previous year. The breakdown reveals:

• - Average Economy Class Ticket Price: $514
• - Average Premium Class Ticket Price: $1,370

Interestingly, passenger trips through online travel agencies saw a decrease of 5% compared to the previous year. Conversely, leisure and corporate travel agencies reported a growth of 5% and 2%, respectively, highlighting a potential shift in consumer preferences towards traditional travel agencies.

The Future of Travel

The shift toward NDC (New Distribution Capability) transactions is also worth noting, with these transactions constituting 21.2% of the total ARC-settled transactions in December, up from the previous year’s 20.3%. Such advancements hint at a changing landscape in the travel industry as agencies adapt to new technologies and demand patterns.

As we move into 2026, the air travel sector is poised for further growth, bolstered by global events and celebrations that stimulate demand. The industry, with its newfound resilience, appears ready to face the coming year with optimism and anticipation.

ARC stands as a leading platform by providing crucial data intelligence to the airline sector, facilitating commercial decisions, and fostering a thriving ecosystem among airlines and travel agencies. This success story not only reflects the hard work and dedication of countless individuals in the travel industry but also revives hope for continued growth in the sector post-pandemic.

For more detailed insights, ARC has made available robust statistics on their sales platform, illustrating a comprehensive view of the air travel market.

Conclusion

Surpassing $100 billion in air ticket sales is not just a number; it represents the travel industry's recovery and growth potential. Travel agencies and airlines alike will undoubtedly benefit as they navigate the evolving landscape of air travel in the coming years.