US Travel Industry Sees 6 Percent Growth with 8.6 Billion USD in October 2025 Sales: All You Need To Know

Published on November 20, 2025

The US travel industry is still in its heyday, and air ticket sales through the use of travel agencies hit a whopping 8.6 billion USD in October 2025, which is the highest ever. The yearly growth was 6%, and it is the largest revenue reported for the month of October by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). The robust performance is an indication of the relentless consumer interest in both domestic and international trips, although the corporate travel sector continues to face some challenges.

US Air Travel Demand Strong with 24.6 Million Trips in October 2025

October 2025’s sales results show that the overall demand for air travel remains robust, supported by steady growth in international trips and leisure travel. With over 24.6 million passenger trips issued, the U.S. travel industry has managed to surpass 2024 figures, despite the temporary disruptions caused by the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government shutdown.

The data from ARC highlights several key trends in U.S. air ticket sales, including the growing importance of international travel. International trips saw a notable 8% year-over-year increase, with nearly 9 million international flights booked. This suggests that global demand for U.S. travel options remains strong, a trend that’s especially significant for the recovery and expansion of tourism and travel businesses.

Domestic travel also remains a cornerstone of the U.S. travel market. In total, 15.7 million domestic trips were booked in October 2025, showing a slight 2% increase from the previous year. The steady demand for domestic travel continues to be a driving factor in U.S. air ticket sales, with cities across the country seeing increased visitation.

International Travel Drives Growth

The increase in international travel is a key highlight from the latest ARC data. While domestic flights account for the majority of ticket sales, international trips saw a higher growth rate. With 8.9 million international trips taken in October, this marks an 8% increase compared to the same month last year. This positive trend is likely driven by the gradual reopening of international borders and the resurgence of cross-border tourism.

Tourism experts note that strong international air ticket sales are a promising sign for the global tourism industry, as travellers are increasingly venturing beyond domestic borders. This surge in international bookings is contributing to the continued recovery of the global tourism sector, which saw significant setbacks in previous years due to travel restrictions.

Shifting Dynamics in Travel Agencies

The latest figures also reveal a shift in how travel services are booked. Although online travel agencies saw a slight 1% decrease in the number of passenger trips issued, leisure travel agencies experienced a 4% increase in bookings. This reflects a broader trend towards personalised travel planning and an increasing interest in tailor-made experiences. Leisure travellers are increasingly turning to agencies that can offer customised itineraries, experiences, and expert advice, contributing to the overall growth in leisure travel sales.

Corporate travel, on the other hand, experienced a slight dip, with a 5% decrease in bookings compared to the same period last year. This decline may be attributed to lingering effects from the government shutdown and ongoing uncertainties in the business environment. However, despite these challenges, the overall performance in the travel sector remains positive.

Ticket Prices and Trends

The average price of a ticket for domestic travel in October 2025 was $576, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. Economy class tickets were priced on average at $513, showing a slight dip from last year, while premium class tickets saw an 8% increase, with an average price of $1,404. These price trends indicate growing demand for premium travel experiences, which continue to be a significant contributor to overall revenue growth in the airline industry.

The growing number of New Distribution Capability (NDC) transactions is also notable. NDC, which allows airlines to distribute tickets through more dynamic and flexible means, accounted for 20.6% of the total ARC-settled transactions in October 2025. This marks a rise from 19.1% in October 2024, demonstrating the growing shift towards more modern, digital methods of ticketing in the travel industry.

A Positive Outlook for U.S. Air Travel

The record-breaking 8.6 billion USD in air ticket sales for October 2025 signals a continued recovery and growth for the U.S. travel industry. While corporate travel faced some setbacks, leisure and international travel showed strong positive results. With rising demand for both domestic and international travel, the U.S. travel sector is poised for continued success in the coming months.

Travel agencies, particularly those specialising in leisure travel, are well-positioned to benefit from the growing trend of customised travel experiences. As international tourism continues to expand, the overall outlook for U.S. air travel remains positive, setting the stage for a strong finish to 2025 and beyond.