PRICES FOR TRAVEL goods and services decreased by 1.4 percent in June for the second consecutive month, outpacing the overall economy’s 0.1 percent decline, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Travel Association. The Travel Price Index indicated that lower hotel, airline, and gas prices were the primary contributors to the sector’s significant price reduction.
In contrast, the broader economy experienced its first monthly price decline since 2020, USTA said in a statement.
“Now is the time for the travel industry to boost volume,” said Geoff Freeman, USTA’s president and CEO. “We’ve already seen travelers take advantage, with eight of the 10 busiest days in TSA’s history occurring in 2024. It’s essential that the industry is equipped with the right funding, resources and technology — coupled with sustained government focus — to meet an increase in demand.”
Meanwhile, comparisons across different time frames—month-to-month, year-over-year, and against pre-COVID-19 levels—reflect an encouraging pricing trend for travelers, the statement said. The TPI is updated monthly by the USTA following the CPI release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In October, USTA and Ipsos reported that air travel hassles are expected to cost the U.S. economy $71 billion next year. To address this, the government should prioritize a long-term FAA reauthorization bill, strengthen FAA strategy and funding, and adopt advanced air travel practices from other countries.
