À la carte

À la carte refers to a hospitality concept where guests order individual dishes from a menu or other amenities on-site, each priced separately, rather than selecting from a pre-set plan.

The term originates from French, meaning “according to the card” or “from the menu,” representing flexibility and choice in the hospitality experience.

For example, hotels may charge à la carte for on-site restaurant meals, spa services, or gym access, allowing travelers to tailor their travel experience with optional add-ons.

Additionally, à la carte refers to a category of airline ancillary services, such as checked baggage, seat selection, onboard food and beverages, in-flight entertainment purchases, priority boarding or check-in, and more.

Revenues from à la carte ancillary services are crucial for low-cost carriers (LCCs) because they represent a significant portion of their overall profitability and revenue streams.