How are seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other add-ons categorized?
Short answer
Airlines categorize seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other add-ons as ancillary services, which are charges separate from the base ticket price. These add-ons usually post as separate transactions on card statements and may appear days after the original ticket purchase.
Common ancillary categories
- Baggage fees: Checked bags, carry-on bags on some carriers, overweight or oversized baggage
- Seat selection and upgrades: Preferred seats, extra-legroom seats, and cabin upgrades
- Boarding priority: Early boarding and priority check-in
- In-flight services: Meals, beverages, Wi-Fi, and entertainment
- Travel services: Pet transport, unaccompanied minor fees, and travel insurance
How ancillary charges appear on transactions
Ancillary services are processed separately from the ticket purchase:
- Charges often post as individual transactions
- Posting may occur days after the base fare settles
- Each add-on may require its own receipt
- Transactions may not reference the original ticket number
This separation is normal and does not indicate duplicate or failed charges.
Key implications for business travel
- Seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other add-ons post as separate airline transactions
- Charges may appear days after the base airfare settles
- Each add-on may require its own receipt and categorization
- Finance teams should expect multiple airline charges tied to a single trip
Ramp helps by automatically collecting receipts, grouping related travel charges, and maintaining visibility across all trip-related transactions, making it easier to review and categorize ancillary spend without manual reconciliation.