U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Reach Record High for First Half
U.S. travel agency air ticket sales totaled $58.8 billion in the first half of 2026, a 12% increase year-over-year. Rising passenger trips indicate continued travel demand.
Air ticket sales through U.S. travel agencies reached a record $58.8 billion for the first half of 2026, according to data released by Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). This figure represents a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The number of passenger trips handled by ARC increased by 4% year-over-year. Domestic trips saw a 4% rise, while international trips grew by 3%. Sales in June alone reached $9 billion, up 19% from June 2025, with total passenger trips increasing by 4% for the month.
The average ticket price for the first half of 2026 was $614, a 13% increase from the previous year. Steve Solomon, ARC's Chief Commercial Officer, attributed the record totals to strong continued demand, with travelers adapting to higher prices. The average ticket price in June was $629, up 17% year-over-year.
The data, which excludes tickets purchased directly from airlines, covers 9,873 U.S. travel agency locations. New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions remained steady, accounting for 21.6% of all ARC-settled transactions in June 2026.