Average fares paid at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport dropped 6% during the third quarter of 2016 compared to third quarter 2015. The average fare was $374.06 in 2016 compared to $399.80 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics average airfare report released on January 18.
The third quarter 2016 fare at ICT is 35% less than in 3rd quarter 2000, which was $577.73 and before low-fare airlines entered the Wichita market.
Regionally, Wichita’s average fare is less than Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and more in line with the U.S. average.
Airport | 3Q 2000 | 3Q 2015 | 3Q 2016 |
---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City | $426.66 | $421.76 | $410.81 |
Tulsa | $422.20 | $424.01 | $407.05 |
Wichita | $577.73 | $399.80 | $374.06 |
Kansas City | $382.07 | $362.56 | $345.35 |
U.S. Average Fare | $461.35 | $370.74 | $344.86 |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Airline Origin & Destination Survey
Itinerary Fare: Average fares are based on domestic itinerary fares, round-trip or one-way for which no return is purchased. Fares are based on the total ticket value which consists of the price charged by the airlines plus any additional taxes and fees levied by an outside entity at the time of purchase. Fares include only the price paid at the time of the ticket purchase and do not include other fees, such as baggage fees, paid at the airport or onboard the aircraft. Averages do not include frequent-flyer or ‘zero fares’ or a few abnormally high reported fares. Airports* ranked by U.S. originating domestic passengers in 2015.
“The Southwest impact is the main reason for the decrease in average fares. Southwest began service to St. Louis and Phoenix in April of 2016. With two daily flights through St. Louis, Southwest offers great connections to popular markets such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington National, Baltimore, Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, and others. Southwest’s two daily flights to the west – Las Vegas and Phoenix – connects you to top markets, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Orange County, San Francisco, among others,” said Valerie Wise, Air Service and Business Development Manager.
“This is a perfect example of why Southwest Airlines is important to our market and to economic development. Affordable and accessible air service is vital to our business community, to leisure travelers, and are key to our ability to attract companies to our region,” said Mayor Jeff Longwell.