U.S. Travel Agencies Air Ticket Sales Reach $9.1 Billion in April 2024

As per a recent report by Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC), U.S. travel agencies experienced a notable increase in air ticket sales in April 2024, totaling $9.1 billion. This marked a significant 4% rise compared to the same period in 2023, setting a new record high for April sales since ARC began tracking this data in 2017.

Key Points of the Report:

1. The total air ticket sales for U.S. travel agencies in April 2024 amounted to $9.1 billion, reflecting a 4% year-over-year increase.
2. A total of 25.5 million passenger trips were recorded, indicating an 8% increase from the previous year.
3. Domestic trips within the U.S. saw a notable 11% increase, totaling 16.1 million trips, while international trips reached 9.4 million, marking a 4% increase.
4. The average ticket price in April was $551, remaining relatively stable with a marginal 4% decrease.
5. Ancillary sales saw a substantial 21% year-over-year increase, reaching $30 million 

Steve Solomon, the chief commercial officer at ARC, highlighted the shift in domestic travel demand during April, with an increase in U.S. passenger trips booked. He emphasized the continued value that travel agencies bring to both business and leisure travelers amidst the evolving landscape of air travel retailing.

The report also indicated that ancillary sales, which include fees for upgraded seats, checked bags, and other services, showed significant growth, underlining the importance of additional offerings to enhance the travel experience.