Mega Agency Air Transactions Fell In December

December air transactions processed by mega travel agencies and settled through ARC declined 3.4 percent year over year. Mega agencies include American Express Global Business Travel, BCD Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Egencia, HRG and Omega World Travel. Online travel agencies saw a 14 percent year-over-year rise in ARC air transactions in December, while the group of travel agencies ARC classifies as "other" posted an increase of 5.5 percent. Total U.S. travel agency air ticket transactions settled through ARC in December rose 6.6 percent year over year. Total sales fell nearly 4 percent year over year, indicating a decline in fares.