Updated: March 21, 2024
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The average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. hovers around $380 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Plane ticket costs are influenced by factors including the flight's departure and arrival airports, the time of booking, the day of the week and time of the flight and the airline's operational costs. Moreover, peak travel seasons and major holidays can also cause a surge in ticket prices due to increased demand. Understanding these elements can help passengers strategize their flight bookings for cost efficiency.
FLIGHT COST FAST FACTS
- National average cost of a domestic plane ticket is $382 dollars as of Q1 2023, according to the BTS.
- In terms of dollar-adjusted values for 2023, the national average cost of domestic plane tickets has seen a notable decrease from $576 in 1995 to $382 in 2023.
- Airfares often fluctuate depending on factors such as operating costs, airport fees, travel season, distance and overall demand.
- Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Georgia, topped the list as the U.S. airport with the most passenger boardings in 2022, exceeding 45 million.
- Per BTS data, Madison (MSN), Anchorage (ANC), Birmingham (BHM), Washington-Dulles (IAD) and Minneapolis (MSP) lead the pack with the highest average domestic airfare costs.
- According to BTS data, Sanford (SFB), St. Petersburg (PIE), Lihue (LIH), Las Vegas (LAS) and Kona (KOA) stand out for offering the most affordable average domestic airfares.
Sources: Average Domestic Air Fares, Average Domestic Airline Itinerary Fares, Annual U.S. Domestic Average Itinerary Fare in Current and Constant Dollars, Passengers Boarded at the Top 50 U.S. Airports
Average Cost of Plane Tickets
Inflation-adjusted data shows a notable decline in the average fare of U.S. domestic flights from $576 in 1995 to $382 in 2023. Several factors contributed to this downward trend, including increased competition among airlines, improved fuel efficiency and digitization of booking systems. However, there were periods of fare increases, notably in the early 2000s and 2010-2014, often linked to economic conditions and fluctuating fuel prices. The steep drop in 2020 reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel demand. As COVID-19 restrictions lifted, a surge in demand, combined with high global oil prices, has led to a recent uptick in ticket prices.
Average Cost of Domestic Flight by Origin City
From the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S., we can observe a general trend that major cities — often those with larger populations and more commercial activity — tend to have higher average fares. This is likely due to higher demand and the cost of operating in these bustling hubs.
For instance, New York's JFK ($424), San Francisco's SFO ($423) and Dallas DFW ($430) — all in cities known for their economic activity and large populations — have fares on the higher end of the spectrum.
On the other hand, of the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S., smaller cities, or those less typically associated with business travel, have some of the most affordable airfares. Lihue ($244) and Kona ($266) in Hawaii, which are more known as holiday destinations than business hubs, offer lower fares.
There are exceptions among the busiest airports. Madison, WI, for instance, although not as large or typically as busy as New York or San Francisco, has the highest average fare ($538).
While city size and prominence do appear to impact average airfares, other factors such as competition, operating costs and demand specifics of each location also play a significant role. It's always worth checking fares from different airports when planning a trip.
Average Domestic Airfares by Origin City, Q1 2023
Top 100 Airports by Total Number of Domestic Passengers
Airport Code | City Name | State | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
LAX | Los Angeles | CA | $389 |
ORD | Chicago-O'Hare | IL | $394 |
DEN | Denver | CO | $337 |
ATL | Atlanta | GA | $406 |
EWR | Newark | NJ | $401 |
BOS | Boston | MA | $382 |
SEA | Seattle | WA | $379 |
MCO | Orlando | FL | $274 |
DFW | Dallas-DFW | TX | $430 |
PHX | Phoenix | AZ | $365 |
SFO | San Francisco | CA | $423 |
JFK | New York-JFK | NY | $424 |
LAS | Las Vegas | NV | $270 |
LGA | New York-La Guardia | NY | $326 |
MSP | Minneapolis | MN | $456 |
PHL | Philadelphia | PA | $406 |
IAH | Houston-Intercontinental | TX | $403 |
SAN | San Diego | CA | $359 |
DTW | Detroit | MI | $448 |
FLL | Fort Lauderdale | FL | $289 |
DCA | Washington-Reagan National | DC | $392 |
TPA | Tampa | FL | $331 |
MIA | Miami | FL | $368 |
AUS | Austin | TX | $365 |
BWI | Baltimore | MD | $352 |
PDX | Portland | OR | $397 |
SLC | Salt Lake City | UT | $449 |
BNA | Nashville | TN | $342 |
CLT | Charlotte | NC | $454 |
SMF | Sacramento | CA | $358 |
RDU | Raleigh/Durham | NC | $372 |
MDW | Chicago-Midway | IL | $314 |
HNL | Honolulu | HI | $328 |
STL | St. Louis | MO | $394 |
SJC | San Jose | CA | $307 |
OAK | Oakland | CA | $276 |
DAL | Dallas-Love Field | TX | $340 |
SNA | Santa Ana | CA | $377 |
MCI | Kansas City | MO | $399 |
MSY | New Orleans | LA | $331 |
CLE | Cleveland | OH | $349 |
IAD | Washington-Dulles | DC | $488 |
IND | Indianapolis | IN | $389 |
SJU | San Juan | PR | $310 |
SAT | San Antonio | TX | $382 |
PIT | Pittsburgh | PA | $375 |
CVG | Cincinnati | OH | $372 |
CMH | Columbus | OH | $406 |
HOU | Houston-Hobby | TX | $334 |
RSW | Fort Myers | FL | $369 |
BDL | Hartford | CT | $360 |
ONT | Ontario | CA | $357 |
JAX | Jacksonville | FL | $397 |
MKE | Milwaukee | WI | $411 |
BUR | Burbank | CA | $286 |
PBI | West Palm Beach/Palm Beach | FL | $386 |
OMA | Omaha | NE | $420 |
MEM | Memphis | TN | $402 |
RIC | Richmond | VA | $395 |
BOI | Boise | ID | $384 |
CHS | Charleston | SC | $366 |
BUF | Buffalo | NY | $350 |
ORF | Norfolk | VA | $428 |
ABQ | Albuquerque | NM | $397 |
OGG | Kahului | HI | $272 |
ELP | El Paso | TX | $381 |
GRR | Grand Rapids | MI | $428 |
OKC | Oklahoma City | OK | $432 |
SDF | Louisville | KY | $379 |
ANC | Anchorage | AK | $509 |
GEG | Spokane | WA | $428 |
RNO | Reno | NV | $388 |
PVD | Providence | RI | $366 |
TUS | Tucson | AZ | $430 |
DSM | Des Moines | IA | $403 |
LGB | Long Beach | CA | $285 |
TUL | Tulsa | OK | $431 |
SYR | Syracuse | NY | $383 |
SRQ | Sarasota/Bradenton | FL | $334 |
ALB | Albany | NY | $431 |
BHM | Birmingham | AL | $488 |
SAV | Savannah | GA | $410 |
ROC | Rochester | NY | $377 |
KOA | Kona | HI | $266 |
TYS | Knoxville | TN | $470 |
MYR | Myrtle Beach | SC | $324 |
PNS | Pensacola | FL | $425 |
GSP | Greenville-Spartanburg | SC | $476 |
COS | Colorado Springs | CO | $396 |
HPN | White Plains | NY | $369 |
LIH | Lihue | HI | $244 |
FAT | Fresno | CA | $425 |
LIT | Little Rock | AR | $465 |
MSN | Madison | WI | $538 |
PWM | Portland | ME | $450 |
PSP | Palm Springs | CA | $400 |
BZN | Bozeman | MT | $427 |
SFB | Sanford | FL | $143 |
PIE | St. Petersburg | FL | $143 |
AVL | Asheville | NC | $310 |
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Top 10 Most Expensive Airports by Origin City
Among the top 10 most expensive airports to fly from, major cities include Minneapolis (MSP) and Washington-Dulles (IAD), while smaller cities like Madison (MSN), Anchorage (ANC) and Birmingham (BHM) are also represented. The close airfare costs between these diverse locations suggest that city size doesn't directly impact pricing. Instead, factors like flight frequency, route popularity and airline competition likely play pivotal roles. High operating costs and limited alternatives can also inflate airfares in less populous areas.
Airport Code | City Name | State | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
MSN | Madison | WI | $538 |
ANC | Anchorage | AK | $509 |
BHM | Birmingham | AL | $488 |
IAD | Washington-Dulles | DC | $488 |
MSP | Minneapolis | MN | $456 |
GSP | Greenville-Spartanburg | SC | $476 |
TYS | Knoxville | TN | $470 |
CLT | Charlotte | NC | $454 |
PWM | Portland | ME | $450 |
SLC | Salt Lake City | UT | $449 |
Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Top 10 Most Affordable Airports by Origin City
The majority of the most affordable airports are located in Florida (SFB, PIE, MCO, FLL) and California (OAK, BUR, LGB), while the rest are in Hawaii (LIH, KOA) and Nevada (LAS). It's noteworthy that half of these airports are in vacation destinations, suggesting lower fares due to competitive airline markets. Furthermore, the list is a mix of major and smaller cities. Oakland, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Long Beach are part of larger metropolitan areas, while Sanford, St. Petersburg, Lihue, Kona and Burbank are relatively smaller cities, reflecting the variety of factors influencing airfares.
Airport Code | City Name | State | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
SFB | Sanford | FL | $143 |
PIE | St. Petersburg | FL | $143 |
LIH | Lihue | HI | $244 |
LAS | Las Vegas | NV | $270 |
KOA | Kona | HI | $266 |
MCO | Orlando | FL | $274 |
OAK | Oakland | CA | $276 |
BUR | Burbank | CA | $286 |
LGB | Long Beach | CA | $285 |
FLL | Fort Lauderdale | FL | $289 |
Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Cheapest Time to Book a Flight
The cheapest time to book a flight can fluctuate depending on factors such as time of booking, competition and demand, to name a few. Cheapair.com identified an airline pricing pattern that can help flyers find the best times to buy — its “Airfare Booking Zone” is listed below.
Booking Zone | Days in Advance | What Does This Zone Mean? |
|---|---|---|
First Dibs | 203 to 315 | While this timeframe offers a greater selection of flights and seating arrangements, you might find yourself paying significantly more compared to the lowest average airfare. |
Peace of Mind | 116 to 202 | Booking within this zone still sees prices slightly over the lowest average airfare but provides a wide array of flight and seating options. |
Prime Booking Window | 21 to 115 | This is the ideal time to hunt for bargains and book your flights, as airfares are close to their lowest possible prices. |
Push Your Luck | 14 to 20 | Prices generally escalate, as the most appealing options sell out and the best seats get occupied. However, you might stumble upon some lower fares. |
Playing with Fire | 7 to 13 | Although airfare is typically around $130 less for last-minute bookings, options for flights and seating are usually quite limited. |
Hail Mary | 0 to 6 | Reserve this zone for emergencies. Booking flights during this period could see you paying an average of more than $200 compared to fares in the Prime Booking Window. |
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Factors Affecting Ticket Costs
In this section, we delve into the crucial factors affecting ticket prices. Understanding these elements can help you strategize your bookings and potentially save on airfare costs.
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Airport Fees | Fees paid to the airport for the use of facilities. Higher fees can lead to more expensive tickets. |
Competition | In cities with several airlines, competition can drive down prices. Conversely, prices can be higher where an airline dominates. |
Demand | The more popular a route, the higher the cost. Peak travel times and seasons also see inflated prices. |
Operating Costs | Airlines' costs for fuel, staff and maintenance can influence ticket prices. Rising costs often mean higher fares. |
Distance | Longer flights usually cost more due to increased fuel usage and staff time. |
Time of Flight | Flights at convenient times (like midday or weekends) often cost more than early morning or late-night flights. |
Booking Period | The timing of ticket purchase affects the cost. Buying far in advance or close to departure can mean higher prices, while purchasing during the prime booking window usually offers the best deal. |
LEVERAGE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS TO OPTIMIZE AIRFARE SAVINGS
With the right resources, you can maximize your savings on flights. Exploring the best travel credit cards could offer substantial benefits like airfare discounts, free checked bags and make every trip more affordable and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the most frequently asked questions about U.S. domestic flight costs, providing clear insights to help optimize your air travel planning and spending.
What is the average cost of plane tickets?
As of 2023, the average cost of domestic plane tickets in the US stands at $382, adjusting for inflation. This cost varies by season, route and airline.
Why do plane tickets change prices?
Ticket prices fluctuate due to several factors: demand, competition among airlines, airport fees, operating costs, flight distance, timing of flight and the period during which the ticket is booked.
When's the best time to buy a plane ticket?
Typically, the best time to book a flight is during the "Prime Booking Window," which is 21 to 115 days before departure. During this period, fares hover within 5% of their lowest point.
Is it better to buy a plane ticket in advance?
Yes, purchasing tickets in advance is advisable. Doing so during the "Prime Booking Window" (21 to 115 days before departure) ensures competitive prices and a better selection of flights and seats.
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
sources
- Bureau of Transport Statistics (BTS). "Annual U.S. Domestic Average Itinerary Fare in Current and Constant Dollars." Accessed July 24, 2023.
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). "Average Domestic Air Fares." Accessed July 24, 2023.
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). "Average Domestic Airline Itinerary Fares." Accessed July 24, 2023.
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). "Passengers Boarded at the Top 50 U.S. Airports." Accessed July 24, 2023.
- Cheap Air. "Airfare Booking Zone." Accessed July 25, 2023.
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