Travel · 52 figures

Airfare Price Statistics 2026

The average US domestic airfare was $445 in the second quarter of 2026, the highest quarterly fare the Bureau of Transportation Statistics has recorded before inflation, and the BLS airline fares index was up 22.4% in the year to September 2026. IATA links the rise to jet fuel, which it expects to average $152 a barrel in 2026, almost 70% above 2025, while US airlines also collected $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025.

Download CSV Cite this pageUpdated November 6, 2026 · 23 sources

$445The average US domestic itinerary fare was $445 in the second quarter of 2026, up 2.0% from the inflation-adjusted first quarter fare of $436.Bureau of Transportation Statistics
22.4%The US CPI airline fares index rose 22.4% in the 12 months to September 2026.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$152IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel in 2026, almost 70% above the 2025 average of $90.International Air Transport Association
$7.4 billionUS scheduled passenger airlines collected $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025, 2.9% of total operating revenue, the same share as in 2024.Bureau of Transportation Statistics
$157 billionAirlines worldwide were projected to earn a record $157 billion in ancillary revenue in 2025, up from $148.4 billion in 2024.IdeaWorksCompany
$3.61Delta paid an adjusted $3.61 a gallon for fuel in the third quarter of 2026, 60% more than a year earlier.Delta Air Lines
$23 billionIATA expects global airline net profit to fall from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, with the net margin dropping from 4.2% to 2.0%.International Air Transport Association
34.7%Average real return air fares worldwide in 2025 were 34.7% cheaper than in 2015, measured in 2025 US dollars.International Air Transport Association

This page collects current figures on what air travel costs and why prices are moving: average domestic and international fares, airfare price indexes, baggage and other ancillary fees, and the fuel, tax and labor costs behind them. It covers the United States in most detail, using Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics and airline filings, with price data for the UK, the EU and Australia and global forecasts from IATA. Most figures describe 2025 and 2026, and amounts are in US dollars unless marked otherwise.

Airfares rose sharply in 2026 after two fairly flat years. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics put the average US domestic fare at $387 for 2025, then $428 in the first quarter of 2026 and $445 in the second, the highest unadjusted quarterly figure in its records. The BLS consumer price index for airline fares tells the same story from a different angle: it was 26.7% higher in May 2026 than a year earlier and still 22.4% higher in September. Travel agency data from ARC show the average domestic round trip at $624 in August 2026, up 17% year over year.

Fuel is the main driver. IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel in 2026, up almost 70%, pushing the industry fuel bill from $252 billion to $350 billion. Delta, United and American each paid between $3.61 and $3.90 a gallon in the third quarter, roughly 60% more than a year earlier, and BTS data show fuel climbing to 21.7% of US domestic operating costs. The EIA expects wholesale jet fuel to ease in 2027, which would take some pressure off fares if it holds.

Higher fares have not meant higher airline profits. IATA halved its 2026 global profit forecast to $23 billion, or $4.50 per passenger, and BTS reports that US passenger airlines had a 0.0% net margin in the second quarter. Airlines are leaning on fees and premium cabins: IdeaWorks estimates global ancillary revenue at $157 billion for 2025, IATA expects $165 billion in 2026, and US carriers took $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025. United and Delta both grew premium revenue faster than overall capacity.

Outside the US the picture is more uneven. Eurostat recorded EU air transport prices up 8.1% in May 2026 but down 0.4% in August, the UK's seasonal September drop in fares was smaller than a year earlier, and Australia's cheapest domestic fares were higher in October 2026 than a year before. Over the long run, flying is still cheaper than it was: IATA estimates real return fares in 2025 were 34.7% below 2015, and US domestic fares have risen far less than consumer prices since 1995.

Average US airfares in 2025 and 2026

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics measures the average itinerary fare across a large sample of tickets, including taxes and required carrier fees but excluding optional extras like bags and seats. Its second quarter 2026 figure of $445 is the highest unadjusted quarterly fare on record, after a 2025 annual average of $387. Adjusted for inflation, fares are still well below their late 1990s peak, which is why a record nominal fare does not mean flying is historically expensive. ARC's agency data run higher because they cover round trips sold through travel agencies only, and they show the gap between economy and premium cabins.

Average US domestic round-trip ticket price by cabin, August 2026

Round trips within the US settled through ARC travel agencies in August 2026; excludes tickets bought directly from airlines.

All tickets$624
Economy$569
Premium$1,454

Source: Airlines Reporting Corporation, August 2026 U.S. travel agency air ticket sales

$445
The average US domestic itinerary fare was $445 in the second quarter of 2026, up 2.0% from the inflation-adjusted first quarter fare of $436.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
The average U.S. domestic air fare increased in the second quarter of 2026 to $445, up 2.0% from the first quarter 2026 inflation-adjusted fare of $436.
$445
Before adjusting for inflation, the second quarter 2026 average US domestic fare of $445 was the highest quarterly fare BTS has recorded.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
This is the highest unadjusted Quarter fare recorded, $445.
$549
In the second quarter of 2026, one-way US domestic tickets averaged $312 and made up 45% of itineraries, while round trips averaged $549.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Breakout of trip types: one-way, 45% ($312); round-trip, 55% ($549).
50.0%
The unadjusted average US domestic fare rose 50.0% between the first quarter of 1995 and the second quarter of 2026, while consumer prices rose 119.5% over the same span.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Up 50.0% from 1Q 1995 ($297) (compared to 119.5% consumer price increase).
$387
The 2025 annual average US domestic itinerary fare was $387, down 1.8% from the 2024 fare after adjusting for inflation.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · 2025 Annual Average Domestic Air Fare Decreases from 2024 (Apr 2026)
Exact quote
The 2025 annual average domestic itinerary air fare of $387 decreased 1.8% from the 2024 inflation-adjusted annual fare of $394.
$614
The average US domestic round-trip ticket settled through travel agencies was $614 in the first half of 2026, 13% higher than a year earlier.
Airlines Reporting Corporation · U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Set Record for Highest Six-Month Total (Jul 2026)
Exact quote
Average Ticket Price $614 +13%
$624
The average US domestic round-trip ticket sold through travel agencies was $624 in August 2026, up 17% year over year.
Airlines Reporting Corporation · August 2026 U.S. travel agency air ticket sales (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Average Ticket Price $624 +1% +17%
$1,454
Premium cabin round trips within the US sold through travel agencies averaged $1,454 in August 2026, up 11% from August 2025.
Airlines Reporting Corporation · August 2026 U.S. travel agency air ticket sales (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Average Premium Class Ticket Price*** $1,454 +3% +11%

Airfare inflation in the US, UK, EU and Australia

Airfare price indexes moved sharply in 2026, and the direction depends on the country. In the United States the CPI airline fares index was up 22.4% over the year to September 2026, far above overall inflation, as carriers passed through higher jet fuel costs. European fares were much more mixed: Eurostat reported an 8.1% annual rise in May but a 0.4% fall by August, and the UK's seasonal September drop in fares was smaller than a year earlier. Australia's BITRE index, which tracks the cheapest available fares rather than fares paid, shows the lowest discount fares in October 2026 above a year earlier. Price indexes measure change over time, not the level of fares, so they are best read next to the average fare figures above.

Australia real Best Discount domestic airfare index, October 2025 to October 2026

Real index of the lowest available discount fares on major Australian domestic routes, July 2003 = 100.

Source: Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics, Domestic airfares

22.4%
The US CPI airline fares index rose 22.4% in the 12 months to September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Other indexes with notable increases over the last year include airline fares (+22.4 percent), recreation (+2.8 percent), medical care (+1.5 percent), and education (+3.8 percent).
1.2%
The US airline fares index rose 1.2% in September 2026 alone on a seasonally adjusted basis.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
The index for airline fares increased 1.2 percent in September, and the index for apparel rose 0.3 percent.
26.7%
In May 2026 the US airline fares index was 26.7% higher than a year earlier, after rising 2.7% in that month.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Consumer Price Index, May 2026 (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Airline fares 1.042 26.7 6.9 2.7 2.8 2.7
19.5%
UK air fares fell 19.5% between August and September 2026, a smaller seasonal drop than the 28.8% fall a year earlier, which pushed up the annual inflation rate.
Office for National Statistics · Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Air fares fell by 19.5% between August and September 2026, compared with a fall of 28.8% between August and September 2025.
8.1%
EU air transport services prices were 8.1% higher in May 2026 than in May 2025, and 3.1% higher in June.
Eurostat · High fluctuation in EU air transport prices (Jul 2026)
Exact quote
In May, air transport services prices rose by 8.1% compared with May 2025, with June following the same trend and registering a 3.1% increase.
4.5%
In June 2026, EU prices for international air travel were 4.5% higher than a year earlier, against 2.0% for domestic flights.
Eurostat · High fluctuation in EU air transport prices (Jul 2026)
Exact quote
In June 2026, international air travel prices increased by 4.5% and domestic air travel by 2.0%.
41.5%
Belgium posted the largest EU airfare increases in spring 2026, with air transport prices up 41.5% year on year in April.
Eurostat · High fluctuation in EU air transport prices (Jul 2026)
Exact quote
In Belgium, prices increased for all the three months, though at a slowing pace: by 41.5% in April 2026, 33.8% in May, and 28.7% in June compared with the same months in 2025.
0.4%
EU passenger air transport prices were 0.4% lower in August 2026 than in August 2025, while headline EU inflation was 3.2%.
Eurostat · Package holiday prices match 3.2% inflation, airfares down 0.4% (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Meanwhile, passenger air transport prices decreased 0.4%, remaining well below the headline inflation rate.
72.3
Australia's real Best Discount domestic airfare index stood at 72.3 in October 2026 (July 2003 = 100), up from 68.6 in October 2025.
Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics · Domestic airfares (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Oct 2026 72.3 46.0 56.7
60.7
Australia's real Restricted Economy fare index was 60.7 in October 2025, compared with 56.7 in October 2026.
Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics · Domestic airfares (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Oct 2025 68.6 56.7 60.7

International and global airfares

International fares have risen less evenly than US domestic fares. BLS import and export price data show fares on Latin American and Caribbean routes rising fastest in the year to September 2026, while Asian import fares fell. Globally, IATA expects ticket revenue to grow much faster than traffic in 2026, which means higher yields per passenger, yet its long-run series still shows real return fares well below 2015 levels. IdeaWorks' estimate of the average one-way base fare, using IATA data, makes the same point: base fares fell faster than add-on spending rose. Ryanair's results show that even Europe's largest low-cost carrier lifted its average fare in the year to March 2026.

11.8%
Fares US residents paid to foreign airlines (import air passenger fares) rose 11.8% in the year to September 2026, led by a 30.9% rise on Latin American and Caribbean routes.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Import air passenger fares increased 11.8 percent for the year ended September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Import air passenger fares increased 11.8 percent for the year ended September 2026, due in part to a 30.9-percent increase in Latin American/Caribbean fares and a 17.6-percent increase in European fares.
5.2%
Fares foreign residents paid to US airlines (export air passenger fares) rose 5.2% from September 2025 to September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Import air passenger fares increased 11.8 percent for the year ended September 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Export air passenger fares increased 5.2 percent from September 2025 to September 2026 as Latin American/Caribbean fares increased 16.9 percent followed by Asian fares at 3.4 percent and European fares at 1.8 percent.
$839 billion
IATA expects global passenger ticket revenue of $839 billion in 2026, up 9.2% from $768 billion in 2025.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Passenger ticket revenues are expected to reach $839 billion in 2026 (+9.2% on $768 billion in 2025).
7%
IATA forecasts global passenger ticket yields to grow 7% in 2026 while load factors reach a record 84.0%.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Passenger ticket yields are expected to grow by 7% and load factors are expected to set a new record high of 84.0%.
34.7%
Average real return air fares worldwide in 2025 were 34.7% cheaper than in 2015, measured in 2025 US dollars.
International Air Transport Association · Airline industry outlook for 2026, December 2025 press release (Dec 2025)
Exact quote
Average real return air fares in 2025 US dollars were 34.7% cheaper compared to 2015.
$166.38
The average global one-way base fare in 2025 was $166.38, plus an estimated $21.21 in optional extras, for a total of $187.59.
IdeaWorksCompany · Press Release: IdeaWorks Global Estimate of Ancillary Revenue 2025 (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
By comparison, the 2025 IATA estimate places the average base fare at $166.38, with an IdeaWorks estimate of $21.21 in optional extras, for a total of $187.59.
40%
The inflation-adjusted total cost of a one-way air trip, base fare plus extras, fell 40% between 2016 and 2025.
IdeaWorksCompany · Press Release: IdeaWorks Global Estimate of Ancillary Revenue 2025 (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
This represents a 40% drop in the total cost of air travel for consumers over nine years
€51
Ryanair's average fare rose 10% to €51 in its financial year ended March 2026, from €46 a year earlier.
Ryanair Holdings · FY26 Results Presentation (May 2026)
Exact quote
Ave. Fare €46 €51 +10%

Ancillary fees and fare revenue

Bags, seats and other add-ons are a growing slice of what airlines collect. US carriers took in $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025, about 2.9% of operating revenue, and BTS data show the share of revenue coming from fares has fallen from 88.5% in 1990 to about 72.5% in early 2026. Globally, IdeaWorks estimates ancillary revenue at $157 billion for 2025, and IATA expects ancillary and other revenue to reach $165 billion in 2026 as airlines lean on fees during the fuel shock. BTS baggage figures cover only checked bag and change fees reported by US carriers, while the IdeaWorks and IATA totals also include loyalty program and co-branded card income.

Ancillary revenue as a share of global airline revenue, 2016 to 2025

IdeaWorks global estimates; 2025 is a projection made in November 2025.

9.1%

10.6%

10.7%

12.2%

13.4%

14.4%

15%

14.7%

14.9%

15.7%

2016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Source: IdeaWorksCompany, Press Release: IdeaWorks Global Estimate of Ancillary Revenue 2025

$7.4 billion
US scheduled passenger airlines collected $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025, 2.9% of total operating revenue, the same share as in 2024.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines profited $6.0 billion in 2025, a decrease over 2024 (May 2026)
Exact quote
Baggage fees : $7.4 billion, 2.9% compared to 2.9% in 2024
$1.1 billion
US airlines collected $1.1 billion in reservation change fees in 2025, 0.4% of operating revenue.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines profited $6.0 billion in 2025, a decrease over 2024 (May 2026)
Exact quote
Reservation change fees : $1.1 billion, 0.4% compared to 0.4% in 2024
$2.1 billion
US airlines collected $2.1 billion in baggage fees in the second quarter of 2026, 2.8% of operating revenue, up from 2.7% a year earlier.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines gained $16 million in second quarter 2026, a decrease over second quarter 2025 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Baggage fees : $2.1 billion, 2.8% compared to 2.7% in 2Q 2025
72.5%
Passenger fares made up 72.5% of US passenger airlines' $101.5 billion in operating revenue in the first half of 2026, down from 88.5% in 1990.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
U.S. passenger airlines collected 72.5% of total operating revenue of $101.5 billion from passenger fares during the first six months of 2026, down from 88.5% in 1990.
$157 billion
Airlines worldwide were projected to earn a record $157 billion in ancillary revenue in 2025, up from $148.4 billion in 2024.
IdeaWorksCompany · Mission Possible: Airlines Earn Record Ancillary Revenue While Consumers Enjoy Lower Fares (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
projects that airlines worldwide will generate a record $157 billion in ancillary revenue in 2025, up from $148.4 billion in 2024, and dramatically higher than $67.4 billion for 2016.
15.7%
Ancillary revenue accounted for 15.7% of total airline revenue worldwide in 2025, up from 9.1% in 2016.
IdeaWorksCompany · Mission Possible: Airlines Earn Record Ancillary Revenue While Consumers Enjoy Lower Fares (Nov 2025)
Exact quote
Ancillary revenue now accounts for 15.7% of total airline revenue, up from 9.1% in 2016.
$165 billion
IATA projects global ancillary and other airline revenue to rise 12.6% to $165 billion in 2026.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Ancillary and other revenues are projected to rise by 12.6%, reaching $165 billion.
16%
United Airlines' revenue from Basic Economy fares grew 16% year over year in the third quarter of 2026, while premium revenue grew 17%.
United Airlines Holdings · United Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Premium revenue was up 17%, revenue from Basic Economy was up 16%, loyalty revenue was up 17% and cargo revenue was up 23%.

Fuel, taxes and other cost drivers

Jet fuel is the main reason fares climbed in 2026. IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel for the year, almost 70% above 2025, lifting fuel to 31.4% of global airline operating costs. US airline filings show the same shock at the company level: Delta, United and American all paid between $3.61 and $3.90 a gallon in the third quarter of 2026, about 60% more than a year earlier. BTS data show fuel's share of US domestic operating expenses rising from 15.0% to 21.7% in a year. Government taxes and fees are a smaller but steady part of the ticket price, which Airlines for America illustrates with a sample domestic itinerary.

US wholesale jet fuel price by quarter, 2025 to 2027 ($ per gallon)

EIA October 2026 outlook; values from Q4 2026 onward are forecasts.

$2.29

$2.07

$2.19

$2.74

$3.67

$3.85

$3.88

$3.44

$3.01

$2.78

$2.7

Q1 2025Q2 2025Q3 2025Q4 2025Q1 2026Q2 2026Q3 2026Q4 2026Q1 2027Q2 2027Q3 2027Q4 2027

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2026

$152
IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel in 2026, almost 70% above the 2025 average of $90.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Jet fuel prices are expected to average $152/barrel for the year (up almost 70% on $90 in 2025).
$350 billion
The global airline fuel bill is forecast to rise from $252 billion in 2025 to $350 billion in 2026.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Fuel costs are expected to rise by nearly 40% from $252 billion in 2025 to $350 billion in 2026.
31.4%
Fuel is expected to make up 31.4% of global airline operating expenses in 2026, up from 25.4% in 2025.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
lifting the share of jet fuel in total operating expenses to 31.4% in 2026, up from 25.4% in 2025.
$3.55
The EIA expects the US wholesale jet fuel price to average $3.55 a gallon in 2026, up from $2.18 in 2025, before easing to $2.97 in 2027.
U.S. Energy Information Administration · Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2026 (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Jet Fuel ........................................................................ 2.29 2.07 2.19 2.19 2.74 3.67 3.85 3.88 3.44 3.01 2.78 2.70 2.18 3.55 2.97
$3.61
Delta paid an adjusted $3.61 a gallon for fuel in the third quarter of 2026, 60% more than a year earlier.
Delta Air Lines · Delta Air Lines Announces September Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Adjusted fuel price of $3.61 per gallon increased 60 percent year-over-year with a refinery benefit of 13¢ per gallon
$3.90
United's average fuel price was $3.90 a gallon in the third quarter of 2026, up 60.3% from $2.43 a year earlier.
United Airlines Holdings · United Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon $ 3.90 $ 2.43 60.3
$3.85
American Airlines paid an average of $3.85 a gallon for fuel including taxes in the third quarter of 2026, against $2.37 a year earlier.
American Airlines Group · American Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon) 3.85 2.37 62.7
$11.7 billion
Fuel cost US airlines $11.7 billion on domestic operations in the second quarter of 2026, 21.7% of domestic operating expenses, up from 15.0% a year earlier.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines gained $16 million in second quarter 2026, a decrease over second quarter 2025 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Fuel: $11.7 billion, 21.7%, compared to 15.0% in 2Q 2025
31.1%
On international routes, fuel was 31.1% of US airlines' operating expenses in the second quarter of 2026, up from 20.9%.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines gained $16 million in second quarter 2026, a decrease over second quarter 2025 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Fuel: $5.8 billion, 31.1%, compared to 20.9% in 2Q 2025
18.7%
On a sample $400 US domestic round trip sold in January 2026, government taxes and fees came to $74.79, or 18.7% of the ticket price.
Airlines for America · U.S. Government-Imposed Taxes on Air Transportation (Jan 2026)
Exact quote
Total Taxes 74.79 Total Ticket (Fare + Taxes) $400.00 Taxes as % of Fare 23.0% Taxes as % of Ticket 18.7%

Airline profits, unit revenue and premium demand

Higher fares have not translated into higher airline profits in 2026, because costs rose faster. IATA cut its 2026 global profit forecast to $23 billion, or $4.50 per passenger, and BTS data show US passenger airlines roughly broke even in the second quarter. The large US network carriers did push unit revenue up by around 15% in the third quarter, with premium cabins growing fastest. That split matters for travelers: premium demand and loyalty income let airlines raise prices in the front of the plane, while economy fares carry the fuel pass-through.

$23 billion
IATA expects global airline net profit to fall from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, with the net margin dropping from 4.2% to 2.0%.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Profits will shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion this year. And margins will shrink from 4.2% to 2.0%.
$4.50
Global airline net profit per passenger is forecast at $4.50 in 2026, half the $9.10 earned in 2025.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
Net profit per passenger transported is expected to be $4.50, half the $9.10 achieved in 2025.
49%
In IATA polling, 49% of travelers said they expect to pay more for travel over the next 12 months than over the past 12 months.
International Air Transport Association · Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability (Jun 2026)
Exact quote
IATA polling gives cause for near-term confidence with 49% of respondents indicating they expect to pay more for travel over the next 12 months than they did over the past 12 months
0.0%
US scheduled passenger airlines had a systemwide net income margin of 0.0% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 6.1% a year earlier.
Bureau of Transportation Statistics · US Airlines gained $16 million in second quarter 2026, a decrease over second quarter 2025 (Sep 2026)
Exact quote
Net income margin: 0.0% in 2Q2026 Compared to 6.1% in 2Q2025
15 percent
Delta's adjusted total unit revenue (TRASM) grew 15% year over year in the third quarter of 2026.
Delta Air Lines · Delta Air Lines Announces September Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Adjusted total unit revenue (TRASM) grew 15 percent over prior year, accelerating 3 points from the prior quarter.
18 percent
Delta's premium revenue grew 18% year over year in the third quarter of 2026 on a 6% increase in premium seats.
Delta Air Lines · Delta Air Lines Announces September Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Premium revenue grew 18 percent year-over-year with double-digit unit revenue growth driven by yield and load factor on a 6 percent increase in seats.
15.9%
United's total revenue per available seat mile rose 15.9% year over year in the third quarter of 2026.
United Airlines Holdings · United Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
TRASM up 15.9% compared to third-quarter 2025.
30%
At American Airlines, premium products generate roughly half of ticket revenue from about 30% of seats.
American Airlines Group · American Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1) (Oct 2026)
Exact quote
Premium products generate roughly half of the company's ticket revenue on approximately 30% of seats today.

FAQ

What is the average price of a domestic plane ticket in the US?

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics put the average US domestic itinerary fare at $445 in the second quarter of 2026, with one-way tickets averaging $312 and round trips $549. The 2025 annual average was $387. These figures include taxes and required carrier fees but not bag or seat fees.

How much have airfares gone up in 2026?

The BLS airline fares index was 22.4% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, after a 26.7% annual rise in May. ARC reported the average domestic round trip sold through travel agencies at $624 in August 2026, up 17% year over year.

Why are plane tickets so expensive right now?

Jet fuel is the main reason. IATA expects jet fuel to average $152 a barrel in 2026, almost 70% above 2025, and fuel's share of airline operating costs to rise to 31.4%. US carriers such as Delta, United and American paid about 60% more per gallon in the third quarter of 2026 than a year earlier.

How much do airlines make from baggage fees?

US scheduled passenger airlines collected $7.4 billion in baggage fees in 2025, 2.9% of operating revenue, plus $1.1 billion in change fees, according to BTS. Worldwide, IdeaWorks estimates total ancillary revenue, including bags, seats and loyalty income, at $157 billion for 2025.

Are flights cheaper than they used to be?

After inflation, yes. BTS data show unadjusted US domestic fares up 50.0% since 1995 while consumer prices rose 119.5%. IATA estimates that real return fares worldwide in 2025 were 34.7% cheaper than in 2015, although 2026 fares have moved up with fuel costs.

Methodology note

We chose figures that describe what passengers pay to fly and what drives those prices, and took each from the organization that produced it: the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Energy Information Administration in the US; the Office for National Statistics, Eurostat and Australia's BITRE abroad; IATA for global airline finances; ARC for travel agency ticket data; IdeaWorksCompany for ancillary revenue; Airlines for America for its published tax illustration; and quarterly filings from Delta, United, American and Ryanair. Definitions differ. BTS average fares include taxes and required fees but exclude optional extras, and from the third quarter of 2025 they are based on a 40% ticket sample rather than 10%. ARC covers only tickets sold through travel agencies. CPI, HICP and BITRE figures are price indexes that track change over time, not fare levels, and BITRE tracks the lowest available fares rather than fares paid. IATA and EIA figures for 2026 and 2027 are forecasts made in June and October 2026. IdeaWorks and IATA ancillary totals include loyalty and co-branded card income, unlike BTS fee data. Airline figures are company-reported, and Delta's fuel price is adjusted for its refinery. Every quote is re-fetched from the source by our checker. See how we rank and verify.

Sources

1Airlines for America: U.S. Government-Imposed Taxes on Air Transportation
2Airlines Reporting Corporation: U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Set Record for Highest Six-Month Total
3Airlines Reporting Corporation: August 2026 U.S. travel agency air ticket sales
4American Airlines Group: American Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1)
5Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics: Domestic airfares
6Bureau of Transportation Statistics: Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Increased 2.0% from First Quarter 2026
7Bureau of Transportation Statistics: 2025 Annual Average Domestic Air Fare Decreases from 2024
8Bureau of Transportation Statistics: US Airlines profited $6.0 billion in 2025, a decrease over 2024
9Bureau of Transportation Statistics: US Airlines gained $16 million in second quarter 2026, a decrease over second quarter 2025
10Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines Announces September Quarter 2026 Financial Results (Form 8-K exhibit)
11Eurostat: High fluctuation in EU air transport prices
12Eurostat: Package holiday prices match 3.2% inflation, airfares down 0.4%
13IdeaWorksCompany: Press Release: IdeaWorks Global Estimate of Ancillary Revenue 2025
14IdeaWorksCompany: Mission Possible: Airlines Earn Record Ancillary Revenue While Consumers Enjoy Lower Fares
15International Air Transport Association: Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability
16International Air Transport Association: Airline industry outlook for 2026, December 2025 press release
17Office for National Statistics: Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026
18Ryanair Holdings: FY26 Results Presentation
19U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index, September 2026
20U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Consumer Price Index, May 2026
21U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Import air passenger fares increased 11.8 percent for the year ended September 2026
22U.S. Energy Information Administration: Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2026
23United Airlines Holdings: United Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2026 Results (Form 8-K exhibit 99.1)

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Rankozo. (2026, November 6). Airfare Price Statistics 2026. https://rankozo.com/airfare-price-statistics

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