An airfare (otherwise known as a fare) is the fee paid by a passenger for air transport and is made up of the charge for a passenger to fly from an origin to destination and includes the conditions, rules and restrictions for travelling on the airfare.

An airfare is the total financial cost paid by a passenger for air transportation, but in 2026, it is much more than just a single number. It is a complex package consisting of the base fare (the price of the seat), government-imposed taxes, and airline-imposed surcharges (such as fuel or peak-season fees). Each fare is governed by a Fare Basis Code, a string of characters that dictates the "rules" of the ticket—such as whether it is refundable, if it allows for a "stopover," and how many days in advance it must be booked. In 2026, most airlines have moved to Dynamic Pricing, where fares fluctuate in real-time based on algorithmic demand and your frequent flyer status. A "fare" also determines your service level; for instance, a "Basic Economy" fare might be cheap but excludes carry-on bags and seat selection, whereas a "Full Flex" fare includes these amenities and the ability to change flights without penalty. Essentially, the fare is the legal contract between you and the airline for a specific journey.