Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Hit Record $10B in January

Image: Jet2 is a low-cost British air carrier. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock / alfonsosm)

by Phil Cappelli
Last updated: 11:55 AM ET, Fri February 20, 2026

U.S.-based travel agencies posted a record-setting January with air ticket sales hitting $10 billion for the first time since reporting began, according to data from Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC).

The total represents a 7% increase from January 2025 and a 39% rise from December.

“January’s agency air ticket sales reflect the optimism for continued travel demand expressed by several North American airlines in their recent earnings calls,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC. “The travel agency channel remains a key driver of airline revenue, particularly as travelers show sustained interest in international destinations and premium cabin offerings.”

Air ticket sales were not the only number that rose from January 2025. Total passenger trips climbed 6%, while U.S. domestic trips rose 4% and international trips increased 8%.

Ticket prices also increased, with the average economy ticket price increasing by 7% and the average premium class ticket price increasing by 3%.

NDC transactions made up 20% of total ARC-settled transactions in January 2026, up from 16.5% in January 2025. A total of 1,207 travel agencies reported NDC transactions in January 2026.

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Jen Mallia is an Edmonton-based writer, editor, and Oxford comma apologist. She is a former senior editor of the CAA/AMA Insider magazines and has written for a host of publications, including The Globe and Mail. National Post, The Guardian, Today's Parent, and InStyle.