Air ticket sales in the United States hit record highs in August 2026.
During the month, U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled a whopping $9.8 billion, according to new data from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC).
The total represents a 19% jump compared to August 2025 and a 2% month-over-month increase compared to July 2026.
"August’s totals set a new record for ARC-reported and settled sales, reflecting the continued strength of the U.S travel market and continued demand," said Steve Solomon, ARC's chief commercial officer.
The average ticket price for August 2026 reached $624, which is 17% more expensive compared to August 2025.
The higher ticket prices did little to dampen demand, however. In addition to spending more, travelers were flying more in August 2026, too.
The number of passenger trips also increased the month of August, reaching a total of 25.8 million. That’s a 5% year-over-year increase.
Throughout the summer, robust travel demand has exceeded rising costs of airfares due to elevated oil prices amid the Iran war.
"The strong summer trends from June and July carried into August, with travel to both U.S. domestic and international destinations remaining steady from the prior month and above 2025 levels," Solomon said.
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