Traffic and fare data by airline and route can provide valuable insights into market trends, demand, and competition. By analyzing this data, airlines can optimize their pricing strategies, plan their capacity, and make informed decisions about their route network. The data can also be used for market and competitive analysis, helping airlines identify profitable routes and gain a competitive advantage.
Based on initial true O&D level data from FlightBI released this week, total US domestic air travel continue to decline in September 2024 from the previous month, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Likewise, U.S. international air travel saw a decrease, while average airfares increased during this period.
Volume Trend
In September 2024, domestic passenger numbers fell from 56.4 million in August to 50.4 million, though this still marked a 4.6% increase over September 2023, which recorded 48.2 million passengers. In the international sector, passenger numbers declined from 24.5 million in August to 20.7 million in September 2024.
Figure 1: US Domestic and International Air Traffic by Month
Airfare Trend
After several months of decline, airfares began to rise again. The average gross fare increased from $198 in August to $205 in September, while the average net fare also saw an uptick, climbing from $169 to $176 during the same period.
Figure 2: US Domestic Average Airfare by Month
Load Factor Trend
In September 2024, both Available Seat Miles (ASM) and Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) declined from the previous month. The average load factor for major U.S. airlines also fell to 82.6%, as shown in Figure 3. Despite this decrease, it remains above the 82.1% recorded in September 2023.
Figure 3: US Airlines’ Average Load Factor by Month
Month Over Month Comparison
In September 2024, all major U.S. airlines experienced a decline in daily traffic compared to August. Allegiant (G4) saw the largest drop, with a 26.2% decrease due to significant capacity cuts. In contrast, Southwest (WN) and United (UA) reported more modest declines of 4.8% and 5.2%, respectively.
Figure 4: Air Traffic by Dominant Marketing Airlines in August 2024 (Previous) vs. September 2024 (Current)
During this period, traffic declined at most airports, with New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), and Boston (BOS) showing month-over-month decreases of 13.9%, 12.4%, and 11.8%, respectively. However, Phoenix (PHX) saw a 2.4% increase in traffic over the same period.
Figure 5: Air Traffic by Top Origin Airports in August 2024 (Previous) vs. September 2024 (Current)
Year Over Year Comparison
Between September 2023 and September 2024, most major U.S. airlines experienced growth, led by Frontier (F9), United (UA), and American (AA), with increases of 10.8%, 10.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. In contrast, Southwest (WN) and Allegiant (G4) reported declines of 3.2% and 0.7%.
Figure 6: Air Traffic by Dominant Marketing Airlines in September 2024 (Current) vs. September 2023 (Previous)
From September 2023 to September 2024, all major airports saw increased traffic, led by Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK) with impressive year-over-year growth of 20.5% and 20.3%, respectively.
Figure 7: Air Traffic by Top Origin Airport in September 2024 (Current) vs. September 2023 (Previous)
For more detailed information on traffic and fares by route and airline, please contact service@flightbi.com or request a demo of Fligence USOD. They will be able to provide you with customized information to meet your specific needs and requirements.