As international tourism to the United States continues to slide—dropping nearly 10% in March compared to last year—American travelers are heading abroad in greater numbers, creating a striking imbalance in the global travel economy. According to U.S. government data, 4.54 million international visitors arrived by air in March, down 13% from pre-pandemic levels, while outbound U.S. travel climbed to 6.56 million passengers, a 22% jump from 2019.

This shift is taking a toll on the domestic travel industry, which historically benefits from billions in inbound tourism revenue. Airlines like United and Delta have noted a decline in foreign bookings, particularly from Europe and Canada, but say that strong international and premium-cabin demand from American passengers is offsetting the shortfall. Travelers, inspired by social media and streaming shows, are increasingly opting for overseas destinations to mark milestones like graduations or make up for missed family trips during the pandemic.

Economic uncertainty, visa policy concerns, and a persistently strong U.S. dollar are being cited as barriers discouraging foreign tourism to the U.S. Some analysts warn that these trends could subtract from GDP growth, as foreign travel spending dwindles. Meanwhile, aging but affluent American travelers are helping to sustain airlines’ profits, especially in high-end international routes, with carriers reporting robust summer bookings stretching into fall.

Airline executives are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that while some domestic and business travel demand appears soft, the appetite among Americans for overseas experiences—fueled by both nostalgia and urgency—is proving resilient. Whether this pattern holds in the face of broader economic shifts remains to be seen, but for now, the skies remain busy with Americans eager to see the world.