Airline Ancillary Revenue Begins Recovery with a 13% Increase to $65.8 Billion for 2021

Nov 9, 2021

The CarTrawler global estimate holds good news for global aviation, with increased ancillary revenue per passenger and on a percentage basis.

Dublin, Ireland & Shorewood, Wisconsin, 09 November 2021: CarTrawler, the leading provider of online car rental distribution systems, and IdeaWorksCompany, the foremost consultant on ancillary revenue, project airline ancillary revenue will increase to $65.8 billion worldwide in 2021, compared to $58.1 billion in 2020. The CarTrawler Worldwide Estimate of Ancillary Revenue represents an increase built upon 2021 passenger traffic gains, with consumer support for a la carte services and co-branded credit cards holding steady.

Key findings from the report:

  • Allegiant disclosed ancillary revenue per passenger was up 14.6% for the 2nd quarter of 2021 from 2019 mostly due to better results from fare bundles, car rentals, and the co-branded credit card.
  • EasyJet saw its per seat ancillary revenue improve by nearly 27% for the 2nd quarter of 2021 compared to the 1st quarter. The carrier added fare options  which include up front seating, speedy boarding, and larger carry-ons.
  • Jetstar ancillary revenue per passenger grew 33% for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2021 versus the same period ending 2019.
  • Ryanair posted ancillary revenue for the 2nd quarter of 2021 which was more than 16% higher on a per passenger basis than the same period for 2019.
  • Viva Aerobus ancillary revenue per passenger increased by 16% for the first half of 2021, compared to the same period in 2019. The carrier has introduced an economy basic fare and extra leg room seating during the pandemic.
  • Volaris posted a 51% increase for per passenger ancillary revenue for the first half of 2021, compared to the same period for 2019. The airline added bundles which include flexibility, assigned seating, and carry-on bag benefits.
  • Wizz Air disclosed ancillary revenue per passenger increased by 25% for the 2nd quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.

Download the full report here