Airfares fell during the first three months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Wichita’s average fare, adjusted for inflation, was $399.36 which is 3% less than the first quarter 2017 fare of $412.05. The fare is also 1% less than the 4th quarter 2017.
Prior to low fare airlines entering the Wichita market, the average fare in the first quarter of 2000 was 36% higher, at $625.90 when adjusted for inflation.
The national average for in the first quarter 2018 was $346.49 which is 4% less than 2017.
Wichita is served by two low-fare airlines, Southwest and Alaska, and an ultra-low-cost airline, Allegiant. When Frontier Airlines enters the market August 30, Wichita will have two ultra-low cost airlines. Fares to Denver will drop dramatically.
| Q1 2018 | Q1 2017 | Q4 2017 | Q1 2000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | 399.36 | 412.05 | 402.50 | 625.90 | ||||
| National Average | 346.49 | 359.64 | 350.41 | 498.14 |
