Competition, consumer choice keep airfares low

The cost of a domestic airline ticket has remained largely unchanged over the past 25 years, according to the Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. When adjusted for inflation, BTS concluded the price of air travel in the US is in fact dramatically lower than in 1996. A4A Chief Economist John Heimlich pointed to greater competition and more choices as reasons passengers continue to find fares more affordable. Technology has also played a critical role in keeping airfares low by providing increased opportunity for consumers to comparison-shop.