We’ve all been there, probably: You’re on a plane and you are tired of work, or bored with your book, or you’ve seen the airline movie more times that you can count. So, you pick up the SkyMall catalog. If nothing else the hot dog/bun steamers and pet costumes and the like are good for a smile.
But now retail therapy in the air may be expanding beyond catalogs. (And duty-free on international flights.) Carriers are trying yet another way to get more money out of their passengers.
American Airlines has reportedly started selling Heathrow Express train tickets on a limited basis on London-bound flights.
Since anything that eliminates standing in a line to buy tickets upon arrival is appealing, presumably American could end up selling a lot of tickets. And while the airline doesn’t say this, presumably if the experiment works, they might consider adding Underground and bus passes or other attraction tickets in London.
American, and other carriers are looking at other potential in-flight sales from Broadway and theme-park tickets, to actual retail items. And presumably the sky is, so to speak, the limit.
Travel-related products are the most obvious potential onboard sales. Airlines could sell vouchers not just for trains, but for companies like Super Shuttle and for all kinds of tourist attractions. They could even sell items that would make great gifts for business travelers or those returning home empty-handed.
In fact, it would be a particularly ironic twist if the airlines started selling bottles of wines. Which are popular gifts but which travelers cannot currently bring on board as carry-on unless they purchase them at one of a relatively few airport wine shops.
As with many airline dreams, reality is likely to intrude on this retail nirvana in a hurry. The first questions that come to mind — What are they going to do with the extra work this causes flight attendants? Will they get a commission? And will the sales work mean that there will be even few drink and other services?
The airlines have a captive audience who are already geared to using credit and debit cards online and aboard aircraft to buy items as small as a bag of peanuts, snack pack or a beer. This makes the potential revenue beyond substantial.
How far will the airlines go? We’re likely to find out.
(Photo: fuschia foot/creative commons/flickr.com)
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How about using Go Airport Shuttle instead of super shuttle, much better service and the cost is less.
They have been doing that since I can recall. Even in good times they did that. Big deal it is a good chance to purchase perfumes, cigarettes and other gift .items. If that is all you complain about on airplanes wow.
I confess I just ordered a travel gadget from SkyMall online!
Interesting potential revenue stream for our poor airlines to have onboard sales on all flights …and yes I bet it would take away from the limited drink service. And block the aisle for those needing the restroom. I wonder what a couple former FA friends will say?
Barbara – duty free sales are only on long haul international flights.