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 declined in January 2025 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 January 2025, domestic passenger numbers declined from 54.2 million in December 2024 to 46.0 million, which is 5.5% higher than January 2023’s 43.6 million. In the international sector, passenger numbers decreased from 22.2 million in December 2024 to 20.4 million in January 2025.
Figure 1: US Domestic and International Air Traffic by Month
Airfare Trend
Airfares start to increase. The average gross fare rose from $222 in December 2024 to $225 in January 2025, while the average net fare also increased from $189 to $192 during the same period.
Figure 2: US Domestic Average Airfare by Month
Load Factor Trend
In January 2025, both Available Seat Miles (ASM) and Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) decreased from the previous month. The average load factor for major U.S. airlines also declined to 79.1%, as shown in Figure 3., which is higher than the 78.8% recorded in January 2024.
Figure 3: US Airlines’ Average Load Factor by Month
Month Over Month Comparison
In January 2025, all major U.S. airlines experienced a slowdown in daily traffic compared to December 2024. Frontier (F9) saw the largest decline, with a 22.0% decrease. Similarly, another two LCC JetBlue (B6) and Southwest (WN) also reported decline of 17.9% and 17.1%, respectively.
Figure 4: Air Traffic by Dominant Marketing Airlines in December 2024 (Previous) vs. January 2025 (Current)
During this period, traffic contracted at most airports, with Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD) and New York (JFK) showing month-over-month decreases of 23.1%, 22.1% and 20.2%, respectively. On the other hand, Florida airports Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO) only had 1.3%, 3.4% and 4.0% decrease in traffic over the same period.
Figure 5: Air Traffic by Top Origin Airports in December 2024 (Previous) vs. January 2025 (Current)
Year Over Year Comparison
Between January 2024 and January 2025, most major U.S. airlines experienced growth, led by Alaska Airlines (AS) and Allegiant (G4), with increases of 22.6% and 20.4%, respectively. In contrast, Spirit (NK) reported 7.9% of decrease because of its bankruptcy.
Figure 6: Air Traffic by Dominant Marketing Airlines in January 2025 (Current) vs. January 2024 (Previous)
From January 2024 to January 2025, all major airports saw increased traffic, led by San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW) and Chicago (ORD) with year-over-year growth of 20.4%, 16.7% and 16.6%, respectively.
Figure 7: Air Traffic by Top Origin Airport in January 2025 (Current) vs. January 2024 (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.