US travel agency air ticket sales increased by 82% in March over February

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) today released data showing net sales from ARC-accredited travel agencies totalling $2.8 billion in March 2021, an 82% month-over-month increase compared to February’s net sales. This represents the third consecutive month of positive sales growth, and a 120% increase compared to March 2020.*

Month over month, March 2021 results showed:

Total passenger trips increased 54%;

U.S. domestic trips up 50%; and

International trips up 66%.

“Our data shows leisure and online travel agency segments continuing to fuel the growth in airline ticket purchases,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Airlines are matching this demand by adding more leisure-focused routes while corporate travel remains suppressed.”

Total passenger trips settled by ARC in March 2021 increased 29% year over year, from 11,139,567 to 14,347,442. U.S. domestic trips were up 34% to 9.9 million, eclipsing February’s total passenger trips, while international trips were up 19% to 4.4 million YOY. The average U.S. round-trip ticket price increased from $377 in March 2020 to $382 in March 2021.

Year over year, EMD sales for March 2021 increased 43% to $5,794,680, while EMD transactions increased 127% to 125,280.

More detailed information is available on ARC’s website.

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