Atlanta air fares declined amid lower fuel costs

Air fares continued to decline last year as fuel costs fell, according to newly-released federal statistics.

Nationally, the average domestic air fare decreased 6.2 percent to $372 in the third quarter of 2015, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics on Tuesday.

That's the lowest level since 2010 adjusted for inflation, according to the federal data. The average fares are based on round-trip tickets, unless the customer does not buy a return trip.

In Atlanta, the average fare declined to $382 in the third quarter of 2015, down nearly 13 percent from $439 a year earlier.

Still, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and other carriers have also been eager to accrue much of the benefit from lower fuel costs, driving higher profits.

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

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