Average Domestic Flight Costs in the US

The average domestic flight cost in the U.S. in 2024 is $385, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), almost a 2% drop from $391 in 2023. Some cities, like Madison (MSN) in Wisconsin, have the highest fares at $505, while affordable options, such as Sanford (SFB) in Florida, offer fares as low as $121. Although airfare can vary widely depending on the origin city, other factors like competition, demand and timing also play significant roles in shaping these prices.

Knowing the best time to book and when to fly can lead to substantial savings. Strategically plan around peak travel times and understand how airports and airlines set prices to save significantly on your next domestic trip.

In 2024, the average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. is $385, a slight drop from $391 in 2023 and $403 in 2022. This marks the second consecutive year of decreasing airfares, but it’s still above the pandemic-induced low of $352 in 2020.

Airfare has fluctuated due to factors like fuel prices, competition and broader economic conditions. Fares peaked at $614 in 2000, the highest in recent decades, but increased airline competition and technological advancements in booking have led to a long-term decline.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

The average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. varies significantly by origin city. In Q2 2024, major cities like Newark, New Jersey (EWR), and New York City (JFK) reported some of the highest fares, at $421 and $430, respectively. Meanwhile, more affordable options are available in destinations like Las Vegas (LAS) and Kona (KOA) in Hawaii, with average fares as low as $284 and $286.

Large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles (LAX) and Dallas (DFW) tend to have higher prices, driven by strong demand and operational costs, while even smaller cities like Madison, Wisconsin (MSN), with a fare of $505, rank among the highest, primarily due to limited competition and fewer available flights.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Madison, Wisconsin (MSN), has the highest average fare among the top 100 busiest U.S. airports, with tickets costing around $505, making it the most expensive airport by origin city. Other high-cost airports include Anchorage (ANC) at $502 and Birmingham, Alabama (BHM), at $496, where limited competition and fewer flight options contribute to elevated fares. Even larger airports like Washington-Dulles (IAD) and San Francisco (SFO), with fares of $484 and $473, respectively, rank among the most expensive due to strong demand and higher operational costs.

Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

The majority of the most affordable airports are located in Florida, including Sanford (SFB) with the lowest average fare at $121, St. Petersburg (PIE) at $130, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) at $262 and Orlando (MCO) at $273. Hawaii also contributes three affordable options: Lihue (LIH) at $273, Kona (KOA) at $286 and Kahului (OGG) at $288.

Many of these affordable airports are in popular vacation destinations, where competitive pricing and frequent flights from low-cost carriers help keep fares low.

Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Reduce your airfare by booking in advance, flying mid-week and using credit card reward points for discounts or upgrades. Apply these strategies to find the best deals and keep your travel budget under control.

Find quick answers to the most common questions about U.S. domestic flight costs to help streamline your travel planning and budgeting.

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