Date: November 3, 2010
The federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released its second quarter 2010 domestic air fare* report, showing that out of the top 100 U.S. airports, Wichita had the 12th largest fare decrease since 2000, and now ranks 46th in average fare. Wichita’s average airline fare in the second quarter 2010 was $345.08, an increase of 9.8% from the second quarter 2009. However, its fares are 19.8% less than in 2000, when the average fare was $430.10.
Wichita’s average fare is now in line with the U.S. average of $341 and is less than the average fare at Tulsa and Oklahoma City. While average fares at Kansas City are still less than Wichita’s, the gap has narrowed significantly. In 2000, the fare difference between Wichita and Kansas City was $147.68; that difference is now only $36.16.
The dramatic drop in Wichita air fares is largely due to the presence of low-cost carriers that force all airlines to compete on similar routes.
| Average Fare 2nd Qtr. 2010 |
% Change 2009-2010 |
% Change 2000 – 2010 |
|
| Wichita | $345.08 | +9.8% | -19.8% |
| Tulsa | $361.06 | +12.5% | +18.7% |
| Oklahoma City | $370.11 | +10.2% | +19.2% |
| Kansas City | $308.92 | +14.7% | +9.4% |
*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.
