Top airlines are reaping average revenue of more than $40 per passenger for ancillary services according to figures in the annual Airline Ancillary survey.
The CarTrawler survey, compiled by IdeaWorksCompany, shows annual ancillary revenue hit $31.5 billion in 2013 for the 59 airlines which break out the figures.
Meanwhile, average ancillary revenue per passenger reached $16 according to figures in the survey of Airline Ancillary Revenue.
Of the 59 carriers included in the report, 44 achieved ancillary revenue of more than $6 while the top 10 airlines reaped revenues of between $32.61 per passenger (Alaska Air) and $55.61 (Jet2.com).
Interesting to note that when the research was first carried out in 2007, the top performing airline (Allegiant) was seeing revenue of $14.36. The airline is now reporting average ancillary revenue per passenger of more than $44.
Specific airline ancillary services highlighted in the report include Aeroflot $173.6 million sales of frequent flyer miles compared to the carrier's 2012 figure of $73.5. Southwest reaped $195 million last year from its Early Bird check-in facility.
The findings of the report are also significant in terms of the percentage of revenue ancillary services are now contributing to the total revenue.
Top performers include Spirit Airlines which attributes 38.4% of total revenue to ancillary services and Wizz Air which says 34.9% of total revenue comes from ancillaries. Back in 2007, the top performer was reported to be Ryanair with 16.2% of total revenue coming from ancillary sales.
Spirit breaks down its sources of ancillary revenue as follows - 43% checked and cabin baggage, 30% passenger usage charge (for all bookings except those made at the airport), 9% advance seat selection, 5% frequent flyer miles and 13% other items.
Here's a chart of ancillary revenue for the top 10 airlines: