Jul 5, 2025
What Flyers Are Willing to Pay for Flight Upgrades

What We're Showing
This infographic shows the maximum average amount travelers are willing to pay for various airline upgrades and add-ons, based on a survey of 7,000 consumers conducted by McKinsey in March 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Baggage upgrades top the list. On average, consumers are willing to pay a maximum of $112 to upgrade from just a personal item to one checked bag.
- Seat selection (random vs. extra legroom) and ticket flexibility (non-refundable to fully refundable) are also prioritized, with average willingness to pay at $57 and $54, respectively.
- Flyers are willing to pay $27 for snacks and drinks, outpacing Wi-Fi ($18) and priority boarding ($15).