U.S. Travel Agency Air Sales Surge 11%, Driven by Leisure Demand
Event summary
- U.S. travel agency air ticket sales reached $9.6 billion in February 2026, up 11% year-over-year.
- Total passenger trips settled by ARC increased 8% to 25.9 million in February 2026.
- Leisure and online travel agencies saw passenger trip growth of 6% and 3% respectively, while corporate agency sales were flat.
- Average ticket prices increased 7% year-over-year, with economy class tickets up 4% and premium class tickets up 1%.
- NDC transactions accounted for 21% of ARC-settled transactions, up from 19.1% in February 2025.
The big picture
The robust February sales data indicates a resilient travel market, despite ongoing disruptions. While leisure travel continues to lead the recovery, the flat performance of corporate agencies suggests a divergence in travel patterns. ARC's processing of over $100 billion in annual air sales positions it as a key indicator of industry health, and the increasing adoption of NDC transactions signals a broader shift in airline distribution models.
What we're watching
- Corporate Travel
- The stagnation in corporate agency sales contrasts with leisure travel growth, suggesting ongoing shifts in business travel patterns that require further monitoring to determine if this is a temporary effect of post-pandemic recovery or a structural change.
- NDC Adoption
- The continued, albeit gradual, increase in NDC transactions indicates airlines are pushing for direct distribution, but the pace of agency adoption will determine the long-term impact on ARC's settlement volumes.
- Pricing Power
- The consistent rise in average ticket prices, particularly in premium classes, suggests airlines retain pricing power, but this could be challenged if macroeconomic conditions worsen and consumer sentiment shifts.
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