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# Average U.S. Airline Ticket Tops $500.

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## Video: Average U.S. Airline Ticket Tops $500.

[Watch (HLS stream): Average U.S. Airline Ticket Tops $500.](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/BLoBrsTD.m3u8) (2:01)

![Average U.S. Airline Ticket Tops $500.](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/BLoBrsTD/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2014-08-05. Travelers, get ready to open your wallets. U.S. airfare is taking off at a rate that is reportedly outpacing inflation._


---

Jul 27, 2023 5:06 PM UTC

---

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---


## Transcript

Travellers, get ready to open your wallets, US airfare is taking off at a rate that is reportedly outpacing inflation. The average cost of a round trip domestic flight reached $ 509. 15 in the first 6 months of this year. That is up about 14 dollars from the same point last year, which reflects a 2. 7 % increase. Meanwhile, the consumer price index has only gone up 2. 1 % in the last year. The questions of why, and who's to blame are a bit complicated. On one hand, we have the airlines, Delta, American, United and Southwest basically own the U. S. skies, controlling more than 80 % of domestic travel.

This means the big four can charge almost whatever they want. And yes, that includes the low cost Southwest. Money reports the airline used to be known for driving down the cost of it's competitors. Now it isn't the guaranteed cheapest. And the Southwest in fact, has less of an impact. Other budget airlines, like Spirit, have been growing in popularity but they don't yet control enough travel to make a noticeable impact on your ticket prices. Speaking of spirit, airlines have been finding clever if annoying ways to nickel and dime passengers recently. And we're not just talking bag fees. Other amenities like early boarding and nicer seats with more leg room are costing travelers extra each flight.

As is the Transportation Security Administration. Airlines argue TSA fees are to blame for the strain on your wallet. TSA was charging $ 5 per person for round- trip flights, but as of July 21st, Time reports the security fee has increased to $ 11. 20 per round- trip flight. Regardless of blame, you're still paying more. So, how can you beat the prices? Now CheapAir. com put some serious work into answering that question last year. In 2013, the best time to buy was between one month and three and a half months out from your trip. Data from flight aggregator site Kayak shows six months out flights were 20 % higher than their lowest fares.

Also, Travel and Leisure says, whatever you do, don't wait until the last week, when prices shoot by about 25 %. Or Money suggests to avoid paying it altogether by signing up for a travel rewards credit card. Aside from the miles you can earn, some come with other travel perks that can cover the cost of the card's yearly fee. I'm Lauren Goris. Thanks for watching.

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