The 2026 SeatMaps.com Yearbook of Ancillary Revenue by IdeaWorksCompany examines ancillary revenue activities and results for 63 airlines in 2025. Now in its 19th year, the Yearbook continues to serve as the leading source of industry research on airline ancillary revenue. Key findings from the 2026 Yearbook include:
- Ancillary revenue continues to outpace overall airline revenue. Among the 58 airlines appearing in both the 2025 and 2026 Yearbook editions, total ancillary revenue increased 13.4%, compared with a 7.2% increase in total revenue . . . that’s nearly twice as fast.
- Billion-dollar ancillary revenue has become routine. Thirty airlines generated at least $1 billion in ancillary revenue in 2025, up from 27 airlines in 2024.
- Frequent flyer programs generated substantial revenue for the largest U.S. airlines. American, Delta, Southwest, and United generated a combined $27.9 billion from their frequent flyer programs in 2025, equivalent to an average of $37.72 per passenger.
The 110-page 2026 SeatMaps.com Yearbook of Ancillary Revenue by IdeaWorksCompany is provided free of charge through the sponsorship of SeatMaps.com.