U.S. Travel Agency Sales Reach $9.3 Billion in January 2025

Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) announced that U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $9.3 billion in January 2025, marking a 5% increase compared to January 2024. The surge reflects a strong start to the year, following a record-breaking 2024, with monthly sales and passenger trip volumes significantly surpassing December figures due to seasonal travel trends.

In total, ARC reported 26.7 million passenger trips for the month, with 16.4 million attributed to U.S. domestic travel and 10.3 million to international routes. The data also showed a 4% year-over-year rise in total trips, with international travel leading growth at 6%, while domestic travel increased by 3%. The average ticket price stood at $557, up 2% from the previous year, while premium class fares saw a slight decline of 2%, settling at an average of $1,224.

Steve Solomon, ARC’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the affordability of premium-class travel, stating, "Our sales data showed that the average price for airline premium seats in 2024 was the lowest it's been over the past three years. This is great news for travelers looking to upgrade their air travel experience without breaking the bank." He also noted the continued strength in both business and leisure travel demand, signaling optimism for the industry in 2025.

Additionally, NDC (New Distribution Capability) transactions accounted for 18.4% of all ARC-settled transactions in January 2025, reflecting a 9% rise from the same month in 2024. A total of 896 travel agencies processed NDC transactions, demonstrating the growing adoption of modern ticket distribution technology.

ARC continues to provide comprehensive insights into airline ticketing trends, processing over $95 billion in U.S.-based agency sales annually. With the industry seeing strong demand and evolving travel dynamics, U.S. travel agencies remain well-positioned for a promising year ahead.