Skift global trend for 2013: Ancillary fees are the new normal, and it isn’t just airlines

The travel industry has been completely upended by the unbundling of fees, with airlines leading the charge. Airlines have gone far beyond checked bag fees and are now dreaming up new paid services, including bag delivery and pre-ordered gourmet meals on board. As airlines are expected to pocket $36 billion in fees in 2012, other travel sectors are quickly getting into the act, too. Hotels are building new spas to build on these ancillary services and fees, and turning once-included services into a la carte ones in order to charge extra for additional housekeeping services, bathroom amenities, or even television.

Expect more demands from consumers for transparency with all the new fees being added on (the U.S. Federal Trade Commission will be knocking on more doors for sure), as well as a host of startups and solutions to manage and navigate around these fees.

Further Reading:

• 22.6 billion reasons why airlines can’t wean themselves off fees
• Hotel industry finds its big ancillary revenue driver: spas
• Opt out may lead to drip pricing