3rd Quarter Average Fare Report Released
Date: February 6, 2015
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has released its third quarter average fare report. In this report, Wichita’s average fare for the third quarter was $410.41, an increase of just 1.2% from the third quarter 2013, but a 29% decrease from its third quarter 2000 fare. This compares to a U.S. average fare decline of 14.1% since 2000.
In 2000, Wichita’s fare ranked 20th highest in the nation (out of the top 100 airports). In 2014, Wichita ranked 43rd highest.
In comparison to regional airports, Wichita’s fare is less than Oklahoma City’s fare of $429.29, and less than Tulsa’s fare of $440.53. Kansas City’s fare was $376.08, and the U.S. average was $396.37.
“The impact of low-cost carriers in our market is clearly seen by the 29% decrease in fares since 2000, particularly when compared to regional airports,” stated Valerie Wise, Air Service & Business Development Manager.
Low-fare service entered the Wichita market in 2002 with AirTran, followed by Allegiant, Frontier, and now Southwest Airlines. Southwest is vital to keeping fares competitive.
| Inflation-Adjusted Average Domestic Itinerary Fares | Pct. Change | ||||
| Airport | 3Q2000 | 3Q2013 | 3Q2014 | 2000-2014 | 2013-2014 |
| US Average | 461.35 | 396.50 | 396.37 | -14.1 | 0.0 |
| Kansas City | 382.07 | 380.70 | 376.08 | -1.6 | -1.2 |
| Oklahoma City | 426.66 | 429.57 | 429.29 | 0.6 | -0.1 |
| Tulsa | 422.20 | 455.35 | 440.53 | 4.3 | -3.3 |
| Wichita | 577.73 | 405.62 | 410.41 | -29.0 | 1.2 |
