Air travel demand in the United States saw a significant uptick in May 2026 despite higher ticket costs, according to new sales data.
The Airlines Reporting Corporation's (ARC) latest data shows that U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $9.8 billion for May. That’s a 15 percent increase in sales compared to May 2025.
Those numbers are meaningful as the industry is closely watching how travelers respond to surges in jet fuel costs that have been driving more expensive airfares.
“The May sales data indicates that air travel demand continues to endure, despite evolving economic and political circumstances,” said ARC’s Chief Commercial Officer Steve Solomon.
The sales increase comes as airfares continue to become considerably more expensive. The average ticket price for roundtrip domestic flights in May was $628, which is 18 percent more expensive compared to May 2025.
Airfares jumped even more year-over-year in economy class, where May’s average ticket price of $569 was 20 percent more than the same month in 2025.
Despite those notable price increases, the total number of passenger trips in May remained the same as in May 2025.
“Travelers are showing a continued prioritization of travel, keeping overall demand steady as we begin the summer travel season,” Solomon said.
NDC transactions also remained steady in May, according to ARC’s data. They accounted for 21.6 percent of the total ARC-settled transactions in May 2026, which is a small increase from 21.4 percent in May 2025.
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