Airfares rose in all 50 of the biggest U.S. metros, by as much as 25%

Airfares rose in all 50 of the biggest U.S. metro areas between April and June 2026 compared with the same months a year earlier, according to new government ticket data. The largest jump was in Detroit, up nearly 25%, followed by Las Vegas at 24%. Even smaller increases—such as San Diego and Omaha—were close to 10%. Nationally, the average one-way domestic fare climbed from $241 to $279, a 16% rise. Overall inflation in the same period was 3.9%. Analysis by Engine using U.S. Department of Transportation data found fares rose on 89% of 6,694 city pairs. The report links part of the increase to Spirit Airlines ending service on May 2.