After the airline industry’s hammering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the International Air Transport Association shows domestic travel was up by 26.5% in August 2022 compared to the same time a year prior.
Despite lingering volatility—namely from fuel price hikes related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as staffing shortages—cost-conscious travelers can breathe a little easier as flight prices decline.
This spring the average domestic flight cost more than $400. Now flights are on par with what they cost in previous years. Across the nation, decreases in flight costs are seen most in the Midwest and South.
Data was compiled from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Hopper to determine how domestic airfares have changed since the spring and which airports recorded the biggest fare increases in the first half of 2022, the latest data available.
Average airfare costs are based on domestic round-trip fares unless the passenger booked a one-way ticket. The average includes the ticket value in addition to taxes and fees. It does not include optional service fees such as baggage fees or the use of frequent-flier miles.
After two years of consumers forgoing trips because of the pandemic, domestic travel saw an uptick of people traveling for Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays this year.