Average air fares rise 6.5 percent since 2005

Wednesday, 27 Nov, 2013 0

Rising fuel costs, mergers and fewer seats have led to a rise in airfares over the past eight years.

Research by USA Today reveals fares have 6.5% on average, after inflation, since the start of 2005, while secondary airports in metro areas have tended to see greater fare hikes.

Ticket prices are higher in cities that have seen sharp drops in domestic air service, while some airports that have seen an increase in flights have experienced a price drop.

USA Today says the findings "underscore the law of supply and demand".

It reveals Cincinnati, which has lost 80% of its domestic airline seats since the start of 2005, saw the average ticket price increase 26%.

Salt Lake City, where fares rose 18% between the first quarters of 2005 and 2013, is down 21% in seats.

Charlotte Douglas, San Francisco and Denver International airports, where domestic seats for sale increased, saw domestic fares decline on average by 18%.

Overall, between the first quarter of 2005 and the first quarter of 2013, prices have risen 6.5% on average, after inflation, at the top 100 airports in the 48 contiguous states.

But fares varied widely from airport to airport, and several experienced increases that were far greater.

The analysis also found that secondary airports in metro areas with multiple airports tended to see greater fare hikes than their primary counterparts, as airlines consolidated service at primary portals.

Domestic airfares at Manchester Boston-Regional and Theodore Francis Green State in Providence increased 10% and 7% respectively, compared with a 2% increase at Boston Logan.

Fares decreased at San Francisco International while increasing 9% at San Jose and 6% at Oakland’s Metropolitan International Airport.

below social share icons

Lisa

Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

With long periods of Thailand’s History, according to evidences and studies, Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Thailand. At that time, an early Thai...

STA was established to support the growth of the travel and tourism sector by serving the needs of tourism companies...

The Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna – POT) is one of several dozen national tourism organisations operating in the...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

Since its launch in 1999, TravelMole.com has become, one of the largest global online travel industry communities. It is comprised...

Classic Collection is where travel expertise and personal service combine to create the perfect luxury holiday. Our travel agent partners...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is the only organization that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and...

At Visit California, our mission is to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry...

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a...

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...