Airlines to sell in-flight travel packages

[NickN]

From the Daily Telegraph..... interesting story.

Airlines to sell travel packages By Angela Saurine From: news.com.au November 27, 2009 8:03AM

AUSTRALIAN travellers will soon be able to buy bus and train tickets, hire cars and purchase tickets for concerts, tours and major tourist attractions on a plane before they reach their destination.
They may also be able to buy ski passes and mobile phone packages which reduce the cost of global roaming charges when jetting overseas.

Onboard retail technology company GuestLogix is in talks with Australian airlines about introducing the new services as budget airlines selling cheap tickets try to find other ways to make money.

In the same way cinemas make revenue selling popcorn and soft drink, the airlines will get a commission for selling the products on board.

GuestLogix regional director John Devins said it was a challenging time for the airline industry and duty free business was slowly dwindling because people can buy the products cheaper over the internet.

"We have airlines that are losing an awful lot of money and the Australian airlines are losing their fair share," he said.


"It's a very competitive business and the revenue they can generate from the sale of seats is somewhat limited.

"The plane will become more of a retail store and the airlines focus more on destination-based products and services that are related to your trip.

"You have customers who are locked inside the store for a few hours with nothing to do.

"We see this as a great benefit to the passenger because it is convenient and time-saving."

GuestLogix, which provides hand-held devices and software that allows airlines to sell products on board, surveyed 3000 travellers to see what they most wanted to buy on board.

It is already working with major international carriers such as American Airlines, Ryanair and British Airways overseas.

"If you go on pretty much any US airline today they don't give anything away - they sell absolutely everything," Mr Devins said.

"This year has been a pilot year but next year you will see this ramp up.

"You will definitely see this in Australia in the next year.

"It's not a question of if they will do it, but when."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/tra...-1225804440094

[Gareth Forwood]

Originally Posted by NickN

In the same way cinemas make revenue selling popcorn and soft drink

Does this mean "In the same way cinemas [unashamedly grossly overcharge] selling popcorn and softdrink"? As long as the prices aren't significantly above market rates, I think this could have potential. But being me, I always like to have everything planned before I leave...

[NickN]

I like the whole thing about purchasing cell phones etc enroute. Saves me having to look around when I land.