September Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Reach $8 Billion

Image: Passenger airplane landing on a runway. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/aapsky)
Image: Passenger airplane landing on a runway. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/aapsky)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Thu October 17, 2024

U.S. travel agency air ticket sales in September 2024 reached $8 billion, an increase of 6 percent from the same month last year. 

This follows what has been a record-breaking travel year for both travel agencies and airlines. 

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) reported that September saw 23.6 million passenger trips, which is a 7 percent increase from the same month in 2023. 

The number of travelers taking domestic trips has decreased two percent from August, but has increased 6 percent overall from last year. Meanwhile, international trips decreased 4 percent from August, but have increased even more, seeing an 8 percent growth from September 2023. 

“While we saw a typical seasonal slowdown after a busy summer, September‘s year-over-year data showed increases in both sales and total passenger trips,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC. “Demand for travel remains strong, with both domestic and international travel expected to outpace 2023 for the remainder of the year.”

While travelers are flying more this fall, the average ticket price in September was $547, a 6 percent increase from August and a 2 percent increase from last year, showcasing how the once-cheaper “shoulder season” isn’t really a thing this year. Used to inflationary pricing and unwilling to leave travel to the future, Americans are planning to pay more for airfare and travel in 2025, according to a new report from Skyscanner. 


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...
Watch Now!
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Europe Made Easy: Sell with Confidence with Classic VacationsFriday, October 23, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
From iconic cities to hidden gems, discover how Classic Vacations helps travel advisors navigate the...