Just as Ryanair steps back, albeit slightly, from taking every chance to impose extra charges on its passengers, other carriers have stepped up to the plate.
Most dependent on extra charges is the American flyer Spirit Airlines, based in Florida.
The low-cost Hungarian carrier Wizz Air holds second place for reliance on extras, getting 35% of its income just from extras.
Jet2.com rose to fourth position with Ryanair in fifth. EasyJet makes an appearance as number nine.
In 2007, Ryanair was the world’s most reliant on extras, followed by Vueling operating from Spain with easyJet in fifth place.
Globally, airlines brought in at least £31.5 billion in extra charges last year. This represents a wild jump of 1,200% since 2007 and more than £4 billion just last year.
The research was carried out by the consultancy Idea Works Company.
Such “ancillary” revenue includes check-in and hand baggage charges, seat allocation, in-flight food and beverage costs, car hire commission, and the like.
The average passenger pays £9.36 in extra charges for every flight, according to the study.
"As airlines search for every penny, peso, and pound, the a la carte methods used by global and low cost carriers are beginning to converge.
“British Airways, the very icon of airline civility, now has seat assignment fees for many travelers and bag fees for some fares within Europe. The airline disclosed in its 2013 annual report revenue of £40 million ($68 million) from seat assignment fees and approximately £45 million ($77 million) from checked baggage", the report said.
