Airlines make hay with fees

Photo: The Canadian Press

All those checked bags, seating upgrades and onboard snacks you pay for on Air Canada flights are starting to add up for the company.

While the country's biggest airline lags behind other global carriers in revenue from passenger fees, it is poised to catch up after its recent purchase of the Aeroplan rewards program, a new report says.

Air Canada took in US$1.45 billion in so-called ancillary revenue last year, or about US$28.54 per passenger, according to the report Tuesday from airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany.

The per-passenger figure didn't crack the top 10, with U.S. competitors United Airlines Inc. and American Airlines Inc. as well as Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd. reaping between US$35 and US$42 per traveller in ancillary income to top the list of 76 carriers.

With frequent flyer programs in particular, Qantas and three U.S. airlines — United, American and Southwest Airlines Co. — raked in between US$25 and US$38 per passenger, whereas Air Canada placed eighth at US$11.22 per passenger.

“On frequent flyer revenue they have scored below their peers, but they are remedying that by buying the program back," report author Jay Sorensen said in a phone interview.

“Air Canada, operating in an economy similar to the U.S., should be enjoying the $20-plus per passenger revenues of its U.S. airline brethren. But Aeroplan operated during 2018 as an independently owned entity," states the CarTrawler Yearbook of Ancillary Revenue report.

"The airline doesn’t directly benefit from Aeroplan’s co-branded credit cards beyond this ticket revenue. That’s one of the reasons why the airline chose to buy back the program from Aimia during 2019."

So-called ancillary revenue derives mainly from three streams: a la carte services, such as baggage, meals and onboard Wi-Fi; frequent flyer programs; and commission-based offerings such as hotel bookings, car rentals and travel insurance.

Popularized by budget airlines more than a decade ago, ancillary revenue plays an increasingly critical role in the industry, helping to diversify income and insulate airlines from fluctuations in fuel price and competition.

“It’s an isolation from price, fare and fuel shocks," Sorensen said.

Air Canada has focused on ramping up ancillary revenue over the past few years, including an emphasis on branded fares, which bundle various perks such as extra leg room and on-demand dining.

“I think they do a better job than the big three carriers (American, United and Delta Air Lines Inc.) in the U.S. They actually have branded fares, and this is something that the U.S. carriers don’t all have," Sorensen said.

Air Canada placed 10th last year in ancillary revenue, which amounted to 10.6 per cent of overall revenue.