Samantha, Aira, and Joe have 6 x 3 = <<6*3=18>>18 rubber bands altogether.
If we let x be the number of bands that Aira had, then Samantha had x + 5.
Since Aira had 1 fewer band than Joe, then Joe had x + 1.
Since the total number of bands is 18, then the equation is x + (x + 5) + (x + 1) = 18.
By simplifying the left side of the equation, we have 3x + 6 = <<3*+6=18>>18.
Putting all the constant terms on the right side gives 3x = 12.
So the value of x is 12/3 = 4. Hence, Aira had 4 rubber bands.
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