U.S. Q2 2026 Average Domestic Air Fare Edged Down 0.02% Quarter over Quarter
The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported that the average U.S. domestic air fare in Q2 2026 was $436.36, down 0.02% from the inflation-adjusted Q1 2026 fare of $436.45. On an unadjusted basis, the Q2 fare rose 2.0% quarter over quarter, the highest second-quarter and single-quarter fare on BTS record. By trip type, one-way tickets accounted for 45% ($307) and round-trips 55% ($535). Starting in Q3 2025, BTS moved to the OD40 collection program, raising ticket sampling from 10% to 40%; earlier fares remain based on the 10% sample.
Impact and considerations
Fare levels and mix directly shape corporate travel budget benchmarks and supplier negotiations. BTS's shift from 10% to 40% ticket sampling means pre- and post-Q3 2025 data are not fully comparable, a break corporate travel managers should note when setting benchmarks or comparing year-over-year trends.
Key points
- The average U.S. domestic air fare in Q2 2026 was $436.36, down 0.02% from the inflation-adjusted Q1 2026 fare of $436.45.
- On an unadjusted basis, the Q2 fare rose 2.0% quarter over quarter, the highest second-quarter and single-quarter fare on BTS record.
- Trip mix: one-way tickets 45% ($307); round-trips 55% ($535).
- BTS began the OD40 program in Q3 2025, raising ticket sampling from 10% to 40%; earlier fares remain based on the 10% sample.
- By airport group, the 8 airports with 1.5-1.99 million originating passengers had the highest fares ($458), while the 8 with 50,000-99,999 had the lowest ($353).
- U.S. passenger airlines collected 72.5% of $101.5 billion in total operating revenue from passenger fares in the first half of 2026, down from 88.5% in 1990.
- Inflation-adjusted, the Q2 fare was 34.1% below the Q2 1999 peak of $662 and 14.3% above the recent low of $381 in Q3 2025.
- BTS's next quarterly release is expected on or around January 8, 2027.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 25 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 26 Sept 2026, 22:57
- Last updated
- 25 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- US BTS Statistical Releases：Second Quarter 2026 Average Air Fare Decreased 0.02% from First Quarter 2026 | Bureau of Transportation StatisticsLockU.S. Department of TransportationUnited States Department of Transportation(link is external)(link is external)(link is external)(link is external)(link is external)(link sends email)(link is external)(link is external) (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 25 Sept 2026, 08:00