Houston area ranked No.1 for airfare increase

The greater Houston area saw the greatest average domestic airfare increase of the country’s eight largest metropolitan areas between the first quarter of Protected content the first quarter of Protected content , according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The average fare in the greater Houston area rose from $348.07 in the first quarter of Protected content $427.23 in the first quarter of Protected content , a 22.7 percent increase. The second greatest increase, in the greater Washington, D.C. area, was only 7.5 percent, an increase from $357.97 in Protected content $384.68 in Protected content .

The greater Houston area also had the highest Protected content domestic fare of the eight largest metropolitan areas.

Individual Houston airports also saw significant increases in airfares. Houston Hobby airport ranked No. 6 on a list of individual airports with the greatest fare percentage increase between Protected content 2012.

Average fares increased at Houston Hobby from $219.35 to $312.02 in Protected content , a 42 percent increase.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranked No. 35 on the list, and average fares increased from $422.76 in Protected content $504.58 in Protected content , a growth of 19.4 percent.

The greatest increase was at Dallas Love airport, while the greatest decrease was at the White Plains, N.Y. airport.

BTS calculates average fares based on a sampling of domestic tickets sold and includes any taxes and fees charged for a ticket at the time of purchase, but not baggage fees collected at the airport. The average does not include free frequent-flyer tickets.

Molly Ryan covers manufacturing, technology, the Port and logistics.

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