Demand for International Travel Propels US Travel Agencies' November Air Ticket Sales

U.S. travel agency air ticket sales reached $6.8 billion in November, according to the latest report released by Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) on Tuesday.

While down 7 percent from $7.2 billion in October 2023, the figure marks a 3.4 percent increase from November 2022 in large part due to unusually strong demand for international travel. 

Total passenger trips totaled 20.5 million in November, up 7 percent year-over-year. Those trips were comprised of 12.9 million domestic trips and 7.6 international trips.

"U.S. consumers continue to spend on international air travel. Our data reflects a slight increase in international passenger trips from October to November, which is uncommon for the time of year," ARC chief commercial officer Steve Solomon said in a statement.

"Despite seeing the typical declines in month-over-month air travel sales and passenger trips, airlines reported a record number of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday season," added Solomon.

The average ticket price sold by U.S. travel agencies in November came in at $547, down 2 percent from both October 2023 and November 2022.

November’s ancillary sales—which include fees for products and services such as upgraded seats, checked bags, pets and more—increased 43 percent year over year to $22.5 million, according to ARC, while ancillary transactions rose 47 percent to 379,644 over the same period.

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