Nothing From The Trolley: Finnair Scraps In-Flight Duty Free Sales

It’s the end of the line of several trolleys onboard Finnair’s fleet of approximately 80 aircraft, as the flag carrier will be discontinuing both in-flight and pre-order retail sales of cosmetics, accessories, gifts, and other retail products. The discontinuation is expected to begin this spring, from as early as February 28th.

Get them onboard while stocks last

In-flight shopping was initially available on Finnair’s long-haul flights and flight services to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK. The flag carrier also offered passengers a choice of pre-ordering their products for all flights with a duration of over two hours, with an exception on its Doha route.

The oneworld member has offered a wide variety of products, with several collections as part of its partnership with numerous Finnish brands. The airline was selling everything from airline merchandise to sustainable homeware, skincare, toiletries, and clothes. Unfortunately, this was all come to an end as Finnair will end its in-flight sales on all its flights on February 28th.

Concerning pre-order retail sales, items will still be delivered for scheduled flights until April 18th. For passengers who have been eyeing items on Finnair’s retail catalog, now would be the ideal time to finally purchase them as the airline is hosting a final discount campaign where all items can be bought with a significant 40% discount.

Travel retail is becoming less significant

Although the trolleys being pushed up and down the aisle will be missed by those who do enjoy such quirks – like myself, Finnair’s decision to end all in-flight and pre-order retail services doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Back in spring 2020, the airline had already announced its decision to discontinue in-flight sales on its flights within the European Union.

The decision was made for sustainability reasons, as the lack of trolleys for these retail services would aid Finnair in reducing the aircraft’s overall weight. This time however, the decision included an additional factor, the declining significance of travel retail. Valterri Helve, Head of Product Offering at Finnair, explained:

“Onboard and pre-order shopping has become a less important service among our customers, and now it is time to take the next step. Food and beverage sales on flights will continue, of course, and we will continue to develop our service.”

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Bottom line

In other words, while in-flight and pre-order retail services will be discontinued, Finnair is probably cooking something up to further enhance its service offerings to passengers. Whatever the next types of service may be, it’s likely to be something to look forward to from the flag carrier.

What do you think of Finnair discontinuing in-flight and pre-order retail sales? Tell us in the comments below.

• 

  Finnair

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  AY/FIN

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Helsinki Airport

  Year Founded:

  1923

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  CEO:

  Topi Manner

  Country:

  Finland