airfare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Business / Travel
Quick answer
What does “airfare” mean?
The price paid for a journey by plane.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The price paid for a journey by plane.
The fare or ticket cost for transportation via commercial aircraft, often considered a distinct component of travel expenses. It can refer to the price for a single leg, a round-trip, or a multi-segment ticket.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both varieties treat it as a compound noun. Spelling is 'airfare' (one word) in both.
Connotations
Neutral, purely transactional term in both. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common and standard in both. The simpler 'fare' is more common in both varieties for general use.
Grammar
How to Use “airfare” in a Sentence
The airfare [VERB] (e.g., airfare rose)[ADJECTIVE] airfare (e.g., exorbitant airfare)airfare [PREPOSITION] [NOUN] (e.g., airfare for two)[VERB] airfare (e.g., book airfare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airfare” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not an adjective. Can be used attributively in noun compounds: 'airfare comparison website'.
American English
- N/A - Not an adjective. Can be used attributively in noun compounds: 'airfare comparison site'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in expense reports, corporate travel policies, and budget planning (e.g., 'The project budget includes airfare for three team members.').
Academic
Used in tourism, economics, or transportation studies when discussing cost variables.
Everyday
Used when discussing holiday or personal travel plans and costs.
Technical
Used in the airline and travel industry (GDS systems, fare construction, pricing).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “airfare”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “airfare”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airfare”
- Using it as a plural only ('airfares' is possible but less common). More common error is using 'ticket' when 'airfare' (the cost) is meant. (e.g., 'The ticket was £300' vs. 'The airfare was £300').
- Misspelling as two words: 'air fare' (less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always written as one word ('airfare') in modern English, though 'air fare' is occasionally seen.
Yes, when referring to multiple different ticket prices (e.g., 'We compared airfares from different airlines'), but the singular non-count form is more common for the general concept.
'Airfare' refers specifically to the price or cost. A 'flight ticket' (or 'boarding pass') is the document that grants you passage. You pay the airfare to get the ticket.
Primarily for commercial passenger flights. It is less commonly used for charter, cargo, or private flights, where terms like 'charter cost' or simply 'cost' are more typical.
The price paid for a journey by plane.
Airfare is usually formal / business / travel in register.
Airfare: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeəfeə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈerfer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All-inclusive (excluding airfare)”
- “Airfare not included”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'AIR' (travel by plane) + 'FARE' (the price you pay for transport). It's the fare for the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRAVEL IS A COMMODITY / A SERVICE WITH A PRICE TAG.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'airfare' used correctly?