The 2026 SeatMaps.com Yearbook of Ancillary Revenue by IdeaWorksCompany, released today, 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.
“Ancillary revenue growth on the pace and scale revealed in this Yearbook ‒ double the rate of overall revenue and increasing $13.2 billion among like-for-like airlines – puts a spotlight on how both core and ancillary products are merchandised. As airlines invest in new seat designs and premium capacity, accurate data and visual content help make those high-value options more visible in direct and indirect sales channels, enable airlines to merchandise their cabins more effectively and help passengers make informed choices and know what to expect onboard,” said Djois Franklin, Chief Executive of SeatMaps.
“Ancillary revenue gains over the past five years have been powered by the airline industry’s embrace of seat assignment fees and greater reliance on branded fares,” said Jay Sorensen, President of IdeaWorksCompany and author of the report. Ancillary revenue has demonstrated remarkable durability in both good times and bad. It has adjusted reliably to economic challenges, often more effectively than passenger fares, which truly makes it an economic miracle for the airline industry.”
The 110-page 2026 SeatMaps.com Yearbook of Ancillary Revenue by IdeaWorksCompany is provided free of charge through the sponsorship of SeatMaps.com.