While total air travel increased during the first six months of 2025, new data from Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) found that U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales actually decreased one percent, totaling $52.3 billion from January through June.
While sales were down, Americans took two percent more trips than they did during the first half of last year, with 152.7 million passengers taking to the skies. U.S. domestic travel increased two percent year over year, while international travel increased 3 percent.
Average ticket prices are down two percent during this period, at $543, leading to the drop in sales totals.
“Airlines and travel agencies were challenged with a rapidly changing economic environment in the first half of the year,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC. “Despite the increased uncertainty, ARC’s data shows the strength of air travel demand, underscoring the importance of commercial air travel connecting people and businesses.”
June’s travel data didn’t change year over year. The month’s sales total was $7.6 billion, with both international and domestic trips increasing three percent. The average ticket price increased 2 percent during June.
Yet the biggest difference is from May to June. While travel usually increases due to the busy summer travel season, June saw an 11 percent decrease in total sales and a nine percent decrease in total passenger trips, domestic trips and international trips.
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