ARC Data Shows 5.7 Percent Increase in Passenger Trips to Start Off 2018

EMD Transactions Jump 7 Percent in January Compared to Same Period in 2017

 

 

ARLINGTON, Va. – February 15, 2018 – Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) reported today that the number of passenger trips* settled by ARC for U.S. travel agencies increased 5.7 percent to 25,994,191 compared to 24,602,294 in January 2017. The consolidated dollar value of airline tickets sold by U.S.-based travel agencies increased 8.4 percent in January as compared to 2017, totaling $8.4 billion vs. $7.7 billion.

 

The average U.S. roundtrip ticket price* for January 2018 was $458, down $15 from December 2017. Average January 2018 ticket prices are down approximately two percent compared to January 2017.

 

Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD)** sales in January 2018 comprised almost $7.3 million, a 23 percent increase compared to January 2017. EMD transactions also increased seven percent to 119,567 in January 2018 vs. 103,329 in 2017.

More detailed information is available on ARC’s website.
 

About ARC

The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is the premier driver of air travel intelligence and commerce in the travel industry with leading business solutions, travel agency accreditation services, process and financial management tools and high-quality data. In 2017, ARC settled $88.5 billion worth of airline ticket transactions for more than 7,000 travel agencies with 12,000 points of sale. Established in 1984, ARC is an ISO 27001 certified company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with offices in Louisville, Kentucky, Tampa, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.arccorp.com and www.twitter.com/arctalk.

Notes:

*Ticket Sales

  • Results are based on monthly sales data ending January 31, 2018, from 12,076 U.S. retail and corporate travel agency locations, satellite ticket printing offices and online travel agencies. Results do not include sales of tickets purchased directly from airlines.
  • Average ticket price (in USD) for a roundtrip ticket settled through ARC for an itinerary that included only U.S. domestic travel.
  • Passenger trips include the total number of passengers taking a trip from one airport to another using either direct or connecting flights. Newly issued trips are added and refunded trips are deducted to provide a net view of traveling passengers.
  • Total sales are equal to the total amount paid for a ticket, which includes taxes and fees.

**Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMD)

  • Includes fees for products and services such as upgraded seats, checked luggage, an unaccompanied minor, pet-in-cabin, etc.

    ©2018 Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). All rights reserved.

Creative

Recent Posts

Travel Advisor Wins National Business Award in Celebration of Women’s History Month

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne honor female franchise owner with OPAL Award for leadership and community…

5 hours ago

Red Rocks, Real Magic: Amara Resort & Spa

A first-person travel review for the discerning travel professional shared by Joanie Ogg, Co Owner/Founder,…

10 hours ago

2026 Wave Season Sales Rise for TRAVELSAVERS and NEST Agencies

Closer-to-Home Cruise Itineraries Drive Triple-Digit Growth   OYSTER BAY, NY (March 10, 2026): As the…

11 hours ago

OutsideAgents.com Hits $1 Billion In Sales In 2025

Fueled by agent growth, rising luxury demand, and strategic innovation, the host agency surpasses a…

1 day ago

60% of Travelers Still Prefer Human Trip Planning Over AI, New Civitatis Survey Finds

Nearly half of travelers report inaccurate AI-generated travel info—most often hours, pricing, and availability. AI…

1 day ago

African Adventure Specialists Launches 2026 Departures for 9‑Day Classic Tanzania Safari

  Arusha, Tanzania — African Adventure Specialists has announced the official release of its 2026…

1 day ago