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Airline Ancillary Services Market

Pages: 160 | Base Year: 2024 | Release: May 2025 | Author: Versha V.

Market Definition

The market consists of services provided by airlines in addition to the base ticket price to enhance passenger experience and generate additional revenue. These services include baggage fees, seat selection, in-flight meals, Wi-Fi, and premium offerings like priority boarding. The report highlights key market drivers, major trends, regulatory frameworks, and the competitive landscape shaping the industry’s growth.

Airline Ancillary Services Market Overview

The global airline ancillary services market size was valued at USD 188.81 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 225.06 billion in 2025 to USD 800.76 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.69% during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the rising demand for customized travel experiences. Passengers increasingly seek tailored options such as changeable or upgradeable fare bundles, extra-legroom seating, and personalized add-ons, prompting airlines to innovate and expand their ancillary offerings.

Major companies operating in the airline ancillary services industry are United Airlines, Inc., Delta Air Lines, Inc., American Airlines, Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., Spirit Airlines, Inc., JetBlue Airways, Qantas Airways Limited, ASIANA AIRLINES, The Emirates Group, IndiGo, AirAsia Group Berhad, Air India Ltd., Japan Airlines, Avelo Airlines Inc., and Hahn Air Lines GmbH.

The market is experiencing growth due to the increasing use of digital distribution channels and API integrations. Advancements in technology are enabling airlines to deliver more personalized and flexible booking experiences, making ancillary services increasingly accessible to passengers.

A key enabler of this shift is the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a modern data exchange standard that allows airlines to seamlessly offer services such as extra baggage, seat selection, and in-flight upgrades across digital platforms.

This digital transformation enhances customer engagement and convenience while optimizing the sale of ancillary products, leading to increased revenue and improved overall customer satisfaction, thereby driving market growth.

  • In March 2025, Emirates expanded its partnership with Expedia Group by integrating its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API, enabling direct access to Emirates’ fares and ancillary services such as extra baggage and seat selection. The integration allows personalised booking experiences and bundled travel packages, to support the sales of ancillary products across Expedia Group’s platforms.

Airline Ancillary Services Market Size & Share, By Revenue, 2025-2032

Key Highlights:

  1. The airline ancillary services industry size was recorded at USD 188.81 billion in 2024.
  2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.69% from 2025 to 2032.
  3. North America held a market share of 34.07% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 64.32 billion.
  4. The low cost carrier segment garnered USD 113.01 billion in revenue in 2024.
  5. The baggage fees segment is expected to reach USD 239.75 billion by 2032.
  6. The international segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 20.26% during the forecast period.
  7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.70% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Rising Demand for Customized Travel Experiences

The demand for personalized and flexible travel experiences is a key driver in the growth of the airline ancillary services market. Passengers increasingly seek tailored travel experiences, for greater flexibility and control over their itineraries. 

Additionally, consumers are increasingly opting for offerings that align with their personal preferences, such as changeable or upgradeable fare bundles, optional add-ons, and premium seating options. This growing demand is prompting airlines to provide more customizable services, enabling travelers to personalize their itineraries and enhance their travel experience. 

  • In January 2025, JetBlue introduced EvenMore, a new premium travel experience, catering to passengers seeking added comfort and exclusive offerings. This includes benefits like extra legroom, complimentary alcoholic beverages, priority security access, and premium snacks, providing customers with an elevated experience.

Market Challenge

Cost Management and Operational Efficiency

A major challenge in the airline ancillary services market is managing costs effectively while maintaining competitive pricing for additional passenger services. Airlines invest significantly in technology, infrastructure, and workforce training to provide ancillary services such as extra baggage, premium seating, and in-flight meals. 

To control the associated costs and maintain profitability, they focus on optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining service delivery, and forming strategic partnerships that help reduce overhead expenses. Additionally, airlines continuously refine their pricing strategies to balance revenue generation with customer affordability, ensuring ancillary offerings remain attractive without discouraging passengers.

Market Trend

Rising Focus on Premium Seating and Loyalty Program

The airline ancillary services market is witnessing a rising focus on premium seating and enhanced loyalty programs. Airlines are introducing extra-legroom seating options, priority boarding, and upgraded loyalty benefits such as complimentary upgrades and additional baggage allowances to attract and reward loyal customers. 

By offering personalized and value-added services, carriers differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market while maximizing profitability and fostering long-term brand loyalty.

  • In May 2025, Spirit Airlines introduced a reimagined "Go Comfy" seating option and revamped its Free Spirit loyalty program. This includes new extra-legroom seating and upgraded benefits like complimentary seat upgrades and two free checked bags for specific cardholders.

Airline Ancillary Services Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation

Details

By Carrier

Full cost carrier, Low cost carrier

By Type

Baggage Fees, On-Board Retail & A-La-Carte, Airline Retail, Lounge Access, FFP Mile Sales, Others

By Travel

International, Domestic

By Region

North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico

Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa

South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation:

  • By Carrier (Full cost carrier, Low cost carrier): The low cost carrier segment earned USD 113.01 billion in 2024 due to the high demand for affordable travel and unbundled ancillary services.
  • By Type (Baggage Fees, On-Board Retail & A-La-Carte, Airline Retail, Lounge Access): The baggage fees segment held 29.90%of the market in 2024, due to the increasing unbundling strategies that monetize checked luggage separately from base fares.
  • By Travel (International, Domestic): The domestic segment is projected to reach USD 481.25 billion by 2032, owing to the rising frequency of short-haul travel and increasing demand for affordable ancillary services.

Airline Ancillary Services Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Airline Ancillary Services Market Size & Share, By Region, 2025-2032

North America airline ancillary services market share stood at around 34.07% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 64.32 billion.Rising disposable incomes are enabling a larger number of consumers to afford air travel more frequently for both recreational and business purposes, thereby fueling increased demand for ancillary services.

Additionally, presence of a mature aviation industry with advanced infrastructure and service offerings supports the growth of these services, as competitive airlines focus on premium and innovative add-ons to diversify revenue streams.

Asia Pacific is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 20.70% over the forecast period. The expanding middle class and economic development in Asia Pacific are driving a significant increase in air travel demand. 

Airlines are adopting advanced technologies like NDC to offer personalized ancillary services and improve booking efficiency.Additionally, the growth of low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the region is boosting ancillary revenue through unbundled pricing and a wide range of paid add-ons.

  • In September 2024, Air India became the first Indian airline to implement IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) using the latest 21.3 schema. Developed and released in 2021, this XML-based standard enhances real-time communication of personalized flight packages and ancillary services between airlines and travel sellers. Its adoption enables travel agents and customers to access more tailored offers, improving the efficiency, flexibility, and transparency of the booking experience.

Regulatory Frameworks

  • In the U.S., the Department of Transportation (DOT) is a federal agency responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and accessible transportation systems across all modes, including highways, aviation, railroads, and public transit, through regulation, funding, and policy development..
  • In Europe, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is regulatory body ensuring aviation safety and environmental protection. It develops rules, certifies aircraft, and oversees compliance to maintain high safety standards across European airspace.

Competitive Landscape

Companies in the airline ancillary services industry are accelerating growth through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and technology investments. They are expanding their service portfolios by enhancing in-flight amenities and optimizing the overall passenger experience. Key players are also forming partnerships and alliances with other carriers to extend service coverage. 

  • In November 2023, Accelya renewed its NDC partnership with United Airlines to support growing demand for personalized airline retailing. The collaboration enhances United’s ability to distribute bundled ancillary offers and continuous pricing through Accelya’s FLX Passenger Platform, targeting travelers seeking flexible and customized booking experiences.

List of Key Companies in Airline Ancillary Services Market:

  • United Airlines, Inc.
  • Delta Air Lines, Inc.
  • American Airlines, Inc.
  • Southwest Airlines Co. 
  • Spirit Airlines, Inc.
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Qantas Airways Limited
  • ASIANA AIRLINES. 
  • The Emirates Group. 
  • IndiGo
  • AirAsia Group Berhad.
  • Air India Ltd.
  • Japan Airlines. 
  • Avelo Airlines Inc.
  • Hahn Air Lines GmbH

Recent Developments (Partnerships/Product Launches)

  • In April 2025, Hahnair introduced Skye, a multilingual AI chatbot designed to enhance customer service by assisting with special service requests such as seating and baggage. Skye supports travel agents and customers worldwide with real-time, 24/7 access to ancillary service information, improving the overall booking and service experience.
  • In February 2025, AirAsia MOVE partnered with Hopper Technology Solutions to integrate fintech ancillaries into its digital platform. The collaboration introduces the Cancel for Any Reason feature, offering travelers flexible, refundability options on non-refundable fares to enhance control and drive ancillary revenue.
  • In November 2024, Air India launched the ‘Fly Prior’ service, catering to the growing demand for flexible travel options. The new ancillary offering allows passengers to switch to an earlier same-day flight for a fee, enhancing convenience and itinerary control for domestic travelers.
  • In November 2024, IndiGo launched its Getaway Sale, catering to the growing demand for affordable travel options. This sale offers discounts on fares and ancillary add-ons, targeting customers seeking cost-effective flight bookings and additional services across its domestic and international network.
  • In October 2024, Air India launched simplified and enhanced fare families across cabins, offering eight rebranded fare options with varying baggage allowances and flexibility. These tailored bundles cater to diverse traveler preferences, providing greater choice and a consistent full-service experience on all domestic and international flights.
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