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Award travel in U.S. domestic markets: An analysis of free ticket redemptions

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  • Fuellhart, Kurt
  • Livsey, Will
  • Gao, Yi

Abstract

Frequent flyer programs (FFPs) are central to airline strategy, yet little empirical work examines the routes on which free award tickets are redeemed. Using U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B) data accessed through Cirium's Diio Mi, this study analyzes general levels of free award travel in the U.S. domestic market from 2000 to 2025. Next, it provides a detailed cross-sectional assessment of free domestic award travel in 2024. Longitudinal results show redemption levels shifting at key industry moments but diverging sharply by carrier over time. Cross-sectional OLS analysis confirms that carrier identity is the strongest predictor of domestic free ticket redemptions, with Southwest exhibiting the highest levels, United the lowest, and Delta rising steadily. Routes with heavy imbalances in passenger origin have significantly higher award shares than those with more balanced routes. Seasonality, market competition, and carrier yield add nuance to the analysis. Our results show that award travel exhibits clear, measurable patterns within domestic markets, with implications for revenue management, competition, and regulatory oversight.

Suggested Citation

  • Fuellhart, Kurt & Livsey, Will & Gao, Yi, 2026. "Award travel in U.S. domestic markets: An analysis of free ticket redemptions," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaitra:v:133:y:2026:i:c:s0969699726000153
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2026.102979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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