Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Persists

ARLINGTON, Va. – May 20, 2020 – Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) today released data showing that ARC-accredited travel agencies experienced a 107% year-over-year decrease in air ticket sales during April. The consolidated dollar value of tickets transacted by agencies last month totaled -$648 million – resulting from increased refunds and reduced travel bookings – compared to $9 billion in April 2019.^*

Passenger trips reflected the broader trend, with the total number of trips settled by ARC in April down 92% YOY, from 27,721,471 to 2,175,762. U.S. domestic trips decreased 92% YOY to 1.46 million, while international trips numbered 711,992, a 93% decrease YOY. The average U.S. round-trip ticket price decreased from $499 in 2019 to $336 in April 2020.

Month over month, April 2020 results show:

• A 150% decline in net sales, from $1.3 billion to -$648 million;
• An 80% decrease in number of passenger trips; and
• An 80% decline in U.S. domestic trips and 81% decline in international trips.

Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD)^** sales showed a decrease YOY as well, down 90% to $845,441. EMD transaction volume also decreased 90% YOY in April 2020, totaling 11,295.

More detailed information is available on ARC’s website.