Term

ancillary revenue

Daniel MarkFounder & Editor, Aviatopia
Published Mar 1, 2026Updated Mar 1, 20261 min read

Revenue from non-ticket sources such as baggage fees, seat selection, onboard sales, and loyalty programs — an increasingly important component of airline profitability.

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Quick Facts

Type
Revenue Category
Definition
Revenue from non-ticket sources such as baggage fees, seat selection, onboard...
Used By
Airlines

Definition#

Ancillary revenue encompasses all airline income beyond the base ticket fare. It includes checked and carry-on baggage fees, seat selection charges, priority boarding, onboard food and beverage sales, travel insurance, and loyalty program revenue.

Why It Matters Operationally#

For low-cost carriers, ancillary revenue can exceed 40% of total revenue. Legacy carriers increasingly adopt unbundled pricing, and ancillary revenue now materially affects RASM and profitability industry-wide.

See Also

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