US travel agency air ticket sales in August totaled $8.1 billion, according to the Airlines Reporting Corp. It was the highest August total since ARC began reporting monthly sales in 2017 and a 1% increase from August 2023. August passenger trips reached 24.3 million, reflecting a 4% increase in US domestic trips and a 3% increase in international trips compared with August 2023.

Total sales: $8.1 billion, up 2% month over month and 1% year over year
Total passenger trips: 24.3 million, up 1% month over month and up 4% year over year
US domestic trips: 15.7 million, up 1% month over month and up 4% year over year
International trips: 8.7 million, flat against July and up 3% year over year
Average ticket price: $515, down 2% month over month and flat year over year

Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer, said that as the summer travel season ended, the company saw continued strength in both air ticket sales and the number of domestic and international passenger trips. Consumers continue to prioritize travel, he said, and passengers are taking advantage of lower ticket prices to plan their fall and winter vacations.

In August, 18.8% of ARC’s monthly transaction volume came from New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions — a 50.4% increase year over year. More than 890 travel agencies reported NDC transactions throughout the month.