The peak summer travel month of July saw healthy air ticket sales from travel agencies based in the United States.
Sales totaled $9.6 billion in July 2026, according to data from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). That’s an increase of 18% compared to July 2025.
Total passenger trips also jumped by 6% month-over-month to 25.8 million in July 2026.
“July numbers reinforce the trends we have seen all year: the market for travel sold in the U.S. is healthy and travelers continue to plan and take trips,” said Steve Solomon, ARC’s chief commercial officer. “The increase in the number of domestic and international trips for both the month-over-month and year-over-year periods shows the air travel industry remains strong and steady.”
Travel demand remained steady throughout July despite airfares continuing to rise compared to July 2025.
The average ticket price for the month was $619, which is 17% more expensive than the average price in July 2025.
Average economy class tickets were $565 in July 2026, also an increase of 17% year-over-year.
Premium class tickets saw an average price of $1,415, which is 12% higher than last year.
However, travelers did see some slight relief in terms of cost because July 2026’s average airfares fell 1% to 2% compared to June 2026.
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