U.S. Carriers Report 13‑25% Business Travel Growth Amid Rising Fares

U.S. carriers are adjusting fares to offset rising jet fuel costs while corporate travel demand remains robust. A travel management company (TMC), which books and manages business trips, reported stronger activity across the network.

American Airlines recorded 13% year-over-year growth in managed corporate revenue in the first quarter. United Airlines reported a 25% increase in both business traffic and revenue over the last two weeks. Southwest Airlines saw managed corporate revenue climb 16% year over year in Q1 and 25% in March, marking its highest ever increases.

These figures indicate that corporations are absorbing higher airfares as business travel recovers. United executives noted that demand remained strong even as the carrier increased prices to cover fuel expenses. What to watch next is whether this sustained booking pace allows carriers to maintain elevated fares without losing volume.