You Can Buy An Empty Middle Seat -- And Some Airlines Will Buy Back Tickets You Can't Use

easyJet’s holidays business generated £250 million in pre-tax profit last year, nearly 38% of the airline group’s earnings, highlighting how selling hotels, transfers and activities can materially boost airline profitability. Profit growth in easyJet’s vacation segment was tied to a 20% increase in customers and about a 32% rise in profit, with £60 million of pre-tax profit from holidays exceeding the group’s overall £55 million increase. The article describes how packaging can enable discounting that’s “opaque” to customers by bundling flights with accommodation. It also points to Southwest’s Getaways vacation product, launched in August 2025, noting benefits like two free checked bags and cancellation credits, while saying disclosures on package performance are limited.