Revenue
Passenger and cargo revenue is recognised when the transportation service is provided. Passenger tickets net of discounts are recorded as current liabilities in the ‘sales in advance of carriage’ account until recognised as revenue. Unused tickets are recognised as revenue using estimates regarding the timing of recognition based on the terms and conditions of the ticket and historical trends.
Other revenue is recognised at the time the service is provided. Commission costs are recognised at the same time as the revenue to which they relate and are charged to operating expenditure.
Source : British Airways Plc, Annual Report and Accounts, Year ended 31 December 2011, page 19.
Commentaire : On constatera que Air France KLM a adopté la même méthode.