Miles and Points give us the flexibility of traveling around the world in style – being able to redeem miles and pay a few taxes out of pocket to fly international First Class is amazing. However, there are a few times when we need to fly Economy Class – and there’s nothing wrong with that if you get a good deal and the flight is on the shorter side. In Economy Class, airlines like to sell add-ons, otherwise known as ancillary services.
What Are Airline Ancillary Services?
Airline Ancillary Services are essentially add-ons to your flight – like checked baggage or snacks, if they’re not included in your ticket. These services usually do not apply in Premium Economy, Business, or First Class because these premium cabins have most items included – like free seat assignment and priority boarding.
Not All Economy Classes Are Equal
Some airlines have an amazing Economy Class experience and don’t really charge or have ancillary services because everything is already included in the fare. Usually Middle Eastern and Asian carriers offer the best service in Economy Class and really the only ancillary services that you may be interested in buying from them is extra checked baggage allowance, if you go over your limit.
European and American carriers charge for most items in Economy Class – from seat assignment to even carry-on bags. Not to mention, their entire flying experience is much worse.
Examples of Ancillary Services
An ancillary service is basically anything the airline can sell you apart from your normal ticket. Therefore these services include items like:
- priority check-in/security
- checked bags
- seat assignment
- lounge access
- priority boarding
- snacks onboard
Like we mentioned, most of these apply for Economy Class travel only. However, there are some airlines that are beginning to become cheap and even charge travelers for seat assignment in Business Class, which is beyond ridiculous. Some airlines don’t even include lounge access on Business Class tickets.
How/When to Pay for Ancillary Services
You can buy ancillary services as add-ons when you buy your ticket or you can buy them later individually on the Manage My Booking feature, at the airport, or even onboard.
Usually ancillary services can only be paid for with a credit card – airline credits and vouchers are usually not accepted, however this varies by airline. Some airlines also let you pay for ancillary services using miles or points.
Can You Earn Miles/Elite Credit for Ancillary Service Spend?
Depending on the airline and frequent flyer program you’re using, you may be able to earn miles or elite credit when you pay for ancillary services. For example, when you pay for a Delta Air Lines preferred seat, you can earn Medallion Qualification Dollars – which help you achieve a higher elite status tier.
Always have your frequent flyer number listed on the booking.
All in All
Airlines make a lot of money from these add-on services – that’s why some tickets are really cheap because nothing besides the seat is included. If you have elite status, most airlines still award you your benefits like lounge access and priority boarding on Economy Class tickets – even when these items are being sold to others as ancillaries. Airlines are constantly trying to add new ways through which they can make money, and taking away services and benefits from Economy Class tickets and adding more and more ancillary services is just another example of that.