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.
According to initial true O&D level data released this week by FlightBI, total U.S. domestic air travel increased significantly in March 2026 although average airfares became higher. As spring arrives, the international travel volumes also increased.
Volume Trend
U.S. domestic passenger traffic increased to 57.0 million in March 2026, up from 44.7 million in February 2026, and became 6.5% higher than the 53.5 million recorded in March 2025. International volumes expanded during the same period, increasing from 17.8 million to 21.7 million.
Figure 1: US Domestic and International Air Traffic by Month
Airfare Trend
Domestic airfares increased again in March 2026, with the average gross fare rising from $292 in February to $299, while the average net fare climbed from $255 to $262.
Figure 2: US Domestic Average Airfare by Month
Load Factor Trend
In March 2026, both Available Seat Miles (ASM) and Revenue Passenger Miles (RPM) rose month over month. The average load factor for major U.S. airlines increased to 81.3%, above the 80.7% recorded in March 2025 (see Figure 3).
Figure 3: US Airlines’ Average Load Factor by Month
Month Over Month Comparison
All major U.S. airlines saw month-over-month gain in average daily domestic traffic in March 2026. Allegiant (G4) had a dramatic expansion at 37%, followed by Southwest(WN), Frontier(F9) and American(AA), with traffic increasing 19.7%, 16.8% and 16.6%, respectively. On the lower end, Spirit(NK) and Hawaiian(HA) only grew by 2.6% and 0.2%.
Figure 4: Domestic Air Traffic by Marketing Airlines in February 2026 (Previous) vs. March 2026 (Current)
All U.S. airports reported passenger volume growth in March 2026. Minneapolis(MSP), Las Vegas(LAS) and San Francisco(SF) posted growth of 25.8%, 24.1% and 22.6%. The largest airport in terms of domestic O&D traffic also increased volume by 9.7%, which is the lowest among all top U.S. airports.
Figure 5: Domestic Air Traffic by Top Airports in February 2026 (Previous) vs. March 2026 (Current)
Year Over Year Comparison
From March 2025 to March 2026, most U.S. airlines recorded year-over-year growth. Alaska (AS) led the industry with a gain of 28.4%. In contrast, Spirit (NK) and Hawaiian (HA) experienced declines, with traffic down 32.5% and 21.7% compared with the same month last year.
Figure 6: Domestic Air Traffic by Marketing Airlines in March 2026 (Current) vs. March 2025 (Previous)
From March 2025 to March 2026, all major U.S. airports recorded year-over-year increases in domestic traffic. San Francisco(SFO), Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Newark (EWR) led growth with 22.4%, 20.5 and 20.4% increase. Minneapolis(MSP) and Phoenix(PHX) posted the least growth among large airports.
Figure 7: Domestic Air Traffic by Top Origin Airport in March 2026 (Current) vs. March 2025 (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.