U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales for January hit its highest levels since before the pandemic, according to the latest data from Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). In all, ticket sales for January 2025 totaled $9.3 billion—a 5 percent increase from January 2024 and January 2020, not to mention a significant 39 percent increase over December 2024 (which reflects the typical seasonal pattern). This follows on 2024's record air ticket sales, signaling continued improved sales.
Total passenger trips settled by ARC topped 26.7 million (up 4 percent over 2024), with 16.4 million trips coming from U.S. domestic travel (+3 percent year-over-year) and 10.3 million trips from international travel (+6 percent). That said, total passenger trips for this January (26.7 million) fell short of January 2020’s levels (28.3 million)—nearly a 6 percent difference.
The average economy ticket price ($471) held steady versus last year (+0 percent) and last month (+1 percent), with the average premium class ticket being the same (+1 percent versus December and -2 percent YoY). Premium class tickets include any fare codes assigned First Class, Business Class, Business Class Premium and Supersonic.
“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,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC.
NDC transactions accounted for 18.4 percent of the total ARC reported and settled transactions in January 2025—a 9 percent increase (from 16.9 percent) in January 2024. A total of 896 travel agencies reported NDC transactions during January 2025.
Source: ARC
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