Vietnamese airlines intensify in-flight sales to boost revenue

Air carriers are launching various programs to boost non-ticket incomes, selling items such as clothing, thermal bottles, ceremonial kits, and even preferred seat options during online check-in.

In May, Bamboo Airways began expanding its branded souvenir sales. 

The latest product is 500ml thermal bottles priced at VND300,000 (US$11.6) each, available in lounges, ticket offices, and on board.

Alongside instant noodles, teddy bears, and banh mi (Vietnamese bread), Vietjet had also expanded its in-flight products to include ceremonial kits for flights to Con Dao Island off the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. 

However, as of this month, the airline temporarily halted sales of such kits, citing a review of supplier quality.

The kits, priced at between VND450,000 ($17.3) and VND6 million ($231.2) each, contain checkered scarves, lotus flowers, fruits, prayer sheets, and even roasted pig and cosmetics.

The suspension of the kit sale coincided with Vietjet's launch of new routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao on April 19.

Not only low-cost carriers but also traditional airlines are accelerating their ancillary sales. 

Vietnam Airlines has engaged in seasonal product sales such as mooncakes and specialty fruits to optimize revenue.

Another significant revenue source comes from seat selection services. 

As of February, Vietnam Airlines officially ended free seat selection during online check-in.

Passengers who wish to sit by windows or aisles must now pay a fee starting from VND40,000 ($1.5) per domestic flight or from $5 per international flight.

If passengers do not pre-select a seat, the system will assign one randomly.

Vietnam Airlines currently earns an average of VND20 billion ($770,502) annually from milk tea sold aboard.

Meanwhile, Pacific Airlines, a member of Vietnam Airlines Group, announced adjustments to carry-on baggage standards effective May 5.

Economy passengers are allowed a maximum of 10 kilograms (including one main item and one personal item), while passengers of ATR flights are limited to seven kilograms to streamline services and optimize aircraft weight.

According to aviation experts, in-flight sales are becoming a 'goldmine' in airlines' growth strategies. 

As profits from airfares continue to shrink, non-traditional revenue not only boosts earnings but also enhances the passenger experience.

However, implementation must align with actual demand and avoid excessive or forced sales that may cause discomfort for passengers.