The demand for ancillary air products — upgrades, checked baggage, etc. — has been increasing significantly, according to the latest monthly report from the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). In October, carriers saw $16.7 million in ancillary sales, a 113% year-over-year jump. Ancillary transactions increased 11% month over month and 74% year over year.

Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer, said travelers “are looking to customize their experiences as we return to pre-pandemic travel levels, especially with international travel.”

The report also said that there was $7.3 billion in ARC-accredited travel agency air ticket sales in October, a 72% year-over-year increase. Total passenger trips settled by ARC in October increased 19% year over year from 17.5 million to 20.8 million, with a 37% increase in international trips and an 11% increase in domestic trips.

The average US roundtrip air travel ticket price in October was $578 versus $560 in September, a 3% increase.

Other month-over-month results for October showed:
  • Total sales were flat.
  • Total passenger trips decreased 2%.
  • US domestic trips decreased 3%.
  • International trips decreased 1%.