U.S. Agencies record $52.3 billion in air ticket sales in first half of 202

U.S. Agencies record $52.3 billion in air ticket sales in first half of 2025

18-08-25

U.S. travel agencies closed the first half of the year with $52.3 billion in air ticket sales, according to data released today by Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). Although this figure represents a slight 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, the industry’s resilience is reflected in a 2% increase in the total number of trips, with 152.7 million passenger journeys recorded—clear evidence of a steady recovery in demand despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

The report shows that domestic travel accounted for 95.1 million trips (+2%), while international travel reached 57.6 million (+3%). These increases highlight the strength of the U.S. air travel market, driven by both internal tourism and the resurgence of global connectivity. The average ticket price, however, experienced a moderate 2% drop, now standing at $543, suggesting slight downward pressure on fares.

Specifically, in June 2025, agency-reported sales totaled $7.6 billion, remaining stable compared to the same month last year. In contrast, overall travel continued its upward trend, with both domestic and international trips increasing by 3%, reflecting travelers’ strong willingness to fly even during the peak summer season.

One of the report’s key findings is the continued growth of NDC (New Distribution Capability) transactions, which now account for 21.9% of all air ticket sales—a rise from 21.5% in June 2024. This model streamlines ticket distribution by offering enriched content, flexible fares, and ancillary services. In June 2025 alone, 968 agencies processed bookings through NDC.

According to ARC Chief Commercial Officer Steve Solomon, these results demonstrate "the strength of air travel demand, underscoring the vital role commercial aviation plays in connecting people and businesses," even amid economic volatility.

This data comes at a time when the corporate travel segment shows signs of stabilization. While leisure travel has reportedly softened—as seen in recent figures from platforms like Expedia and Airbnb—business travel appears to be bouncing back, with increased bookings across several major operators.

It is also notable that the average fares for both economy and premium cabins remain largely in line with previous years, with the slight overall drop in ticket prices likely driven by increased competition and promotional offers from airlines and agencies.

The current landscape suggests a dual strategy: maintaining competitive pricing to stimulate demand, while also enhancing the customer experience through more flexible and tailored sales models like NDC. The continued rise in NDC transactions signals the industry’s transition toward advanced technologies and more customized service offerings to meet evolving traveler expectations.

Looking ahead, the sector faces several challenges: sustaining the momentum in domestic and international travel growth, accelerating the adoption of NDC, and managing fare strategies that balance profitability with accessibility. Additionally, delivering a consistent travel experience will be key to customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty.

In summary, ARC’s figures paint a picture of a robust and adaptive U.S. travel agency sector. Despite a minor decline in total sales value, the steady growth in passenger numbers and the solid expansion of NDC bookings underscore the industry’s agility and capacity for innovation. These trends will be critical in shaping the next phase of air travel in 2025 and beyond.

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