News

In-flight retail facing turbulence

March 4, 2010

On paper, it's a brilliant idea – take real-time retailing to the skies, arming flight attendants with card-swipe terminals so travelers don't have to wait until they get home to buy something from a catalog. It's the very essence of "captive audience."

But the strategy, spearheaded by technology firm GuestLogix, is facing some opposition from flight crews, according to a story in Tulsa World.

… American's flight attendants say they won't participate in onboard retail sales until it is negotiated as part of a labor contract.

APFA, American and a federal mediator are participating in contract negotiations this week in Washington, D.C.

American's spokeswoman Missy Latham said onboard retailing does not require the agreement of APFA.

"While it's always in the best interest of any business to have employee support and enthusiasm when rolling out new service efforts, these new onboard sales initiatives are not contractual," Latham said.