U.S. domestic airfares up 9 percent in Q2

NEW YORK, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. airfares for the second quarter averaged $260 one way, up $24 over the same quarter last year, an American Express survey released Monday showed.

The American Express Business Travel Monitor said fuel prices were behind the increase that pushed the average to a 7-year high while international prices reached a record average of $1,980.

The situation was having an impact on business travel, including more executives being relegated to coach class.

International business class ticket purchasing accounted for 49 percent of the seats reserved in the quarter, the lowest level since 2004. Domestic coach tickets accounted for a 89 percent of tickets sold, although the second quarter is a heavy period for vacation travel.

"This shows that more travelers purchased tickets in advance," Herve Sedky, a vice president for American Express Business Travel said in a written statement. "These subtle changes can translate into significant savings -- 17 percent or more in some cases."