The average U.S. domestic air fare declined in the third quarter of 2020 to $245, the lowest inflation-adjusted average quarterly air fare in Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) records dating back to 1995. The previous low was $262 in the second quarter of 2020.
Adjusted for inflation (constant 2020 dollars) the average 3Q 2020 air fare was:
- Down 29.9% from 3Q 2019 ($349)
- Down 6.7% from 2Q 2020 ($262)
- Down 40.0% from 3Q 2015 ($408)
Air fares declined along with passenger demand. U.S. airlines reported 27 million originating passengers in the third quarter of 2020, down from 86 million passengers a year earlier.
The percent change is based on unrounded numbers. COVID-19 effects on travel were significant in the July-September reporting period.
Itinerary Fares: Round-trips, but includes one-way tickets if no return is purchased.
Breakout of trip types: one-way, 45% ($202); round-trip, 55% ($285).
Fare calculations by BTS
*Based on a random sample of approximately 10% of tickets sold.
Total ticket value: The price charged by airlines at time of ticket purchase.
Included: Additional taxes and fees levied by an outside entity at time of ticket purchase.
Not included: Fees for optional services, such as baggage fees.
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BTS - Bureau of Transportation Statistics published this content on 19 January 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 19 January 2021 16:25:02 UTC
