Airlines pocket $31.5 billion in fees, a 1,200% increase in six years

Passengers line up at the Spirit Airlines counter at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. Spirit Airlines collects 38% of its total revenues from passenger fees, the biggest percentage of any carrier, according to a new study.

By Hugo MartínStaff Writer

July 17, 2014 3:05 PM PT

Can you name an industry enjoying a revenue stream that has increased by about 1,200% in six years?

The world’s 59 biggest airlines collected $31.5 billion in passenger fees and charges in 2013, a dramatic increase compared with the $2.45 billion collected in 2007 by about 23 airlines.

The latest tally means that the average airline passenger paid about $16 in fees last year, according to a study by IdeaWorksCompany, a Wisconsin-based airline consultant that has been tracking so-called ancillary fees since 2007.

The fees include charges to check bags, buy food, upgrade to roomier seats and earn miles from loyalty reward programs.

United Airlines leads all carriers, collecting $5.7 billion in fees and charges, followed by Delta with $2.5 billion, the study found.

Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airline had the biggest share of its overall revenue, 38%, come from passenger fees, followed by Hungarian-based Wizz Air with 35% and Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air with 33%, the study found.

“Most global airlines rely on a buffet of activities with a large emphasis placed on checked baggage and the sale of frequent flier miles or points to partners,” the study said.

To read more about travel, tourism and the airline industry, follow me on Twitter at @hugomartin.