Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) reported today that the number of passenger trips* settled by ARC for U.S. travel agencies increased 5.7 percent to 25,994,191 compared to 24,602,294 in January 2017. The consolidated dollar value of airline tickets sold by U.S.-based travel agencies increased 8.4 percent in January as compared to 2017, totaling $8.4 billion vs. $7.7 billion.

The average U.S. roundtrip ticket price* for January 2018 was $458, down $15 from December 2017. Average January 2018 ticket prices are down approximately two percent compared to January 2017.

Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD)** sales in January 2018 comprised almost $7.3 million, a 23 percent increase compared to January 2017. EMD transactions also increased seven percent to 119,567 in January 2018 vs. 103,329 in 2017.

*Ticket Sales

Results are based on monthly sales data ending January 31, 2018, from 12,076 U.S. retail and corporate travel agency locations, satellite ticket printing offices and online travel agencies. Results do not include sales of tickets purchased directly from airlines.
Average ticket price (in USD) for a roundtrip ticket settled through ARC for an itinerary that included only U.S. domestic travel.

Passenger trips include the total number of passengers taking a trip from one airport to another using either direct or connecting flights. Newly issued trips are added and refunded trips are deducted to provide a net view of traveling passengers.
Total sales are equal to the total amount paid for a ticket, which includes taxes and fees.

**Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMD)

Includes fees for products and services such as upgraded seats, checked luggage, an unaccompanied minor, pet-in-cabin, etc.