Airlines earn twice as much for ancillary services as six years ago

Ancillaries, or ancillary services, are becoming increasingly important in the turnover of airlines. A study conducted by Idea Works Company and Car Trawler, estimates the combined revenue for this concept of 178 companies analyzed at 63.47 billion euros, which is 13.8% more than in 2015 and double that of six years ago.

The report notes that revenue from optional services, such as onboard food and beverage sales, baggage check-in, seat assignment, premium and priority boarding offers will amount this year to 42.193 million euros, Efe reports.

The smaller share (21.143 million) comes from non-fare activities, such as the sale of frequent flyer programs to members and commissions earned from the sale of services to travelers, such as hotel rooms and car rentals.

On a global scale, ancillary services this year will account for 9.1% of total airline revenues, almost double the 2010 figure (4.8%). In addition, it is estimated that in this year as a whole, each passenger will spend  16.75 euros extra, according to the forecast of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

15% of bookings made include the sale of additional services, although in certain airlines this figure reaches 30%, according to data from Amadeus. In Spain, a total of 66 airlines already offer their complementary services through the platform of the technology provider of tourism services, designed to facilitate their sale in travel agencies.