US airlines are doing more with less and carrying more passengers than they did last year but flights are noticeably longer, government figures showed on Thursday.

Airlines flew 369.5 million passengers on scheduled domestic and international flights during the first six months of 2006, nearly 1 percent more than the same period last year, the Transportation Department said in its most up-to-date figures.

Carriers operated 5.2 million domestic and overseas flights during the January-June period, nearly 5 percent fewer than the first six months of 2005, according to data from 90 airlines.

The number of domestic flights fell while the frequency of international flights went up.

Nonstop flights overall were more than 3 percent longer and average trip length per passenger on all flights was up nearly 2 percent for the period that did not include the heaviest summer travel.

Airlines flying domestically have cut flights to save money and boost fares but most flights run full or nearly full. Those that fly internationally, like United Airlines have boosted service on routes commanding higher fares.

The domestic and international strategy resulted in increased revenue for the industry -- up 1.5 percent -- for the first six months despite sustained high fuel prices, figures show.

American Airlines carried 49.5 million passengers from January to June, the most of any airline. Southwest Airlines was the leader in domestic service, carrying 47.3 million passengers.

Atlanta's Hartsfield Airport was the busiest domestic airport, while Miami was the busiest airport for international travel by US carriers.