It's the end of the line for 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, 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.

Screenshot 2023-02-01 at 10.15.28 PM
Photo: Finnair

The oneworld member has offered a wide variety of products, with unique collections via its partnerships with Finnish brands. The airline was selling everything from merchandise to homeware, skincare, toiletries, and clothes.

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 purchase them as the airline is hosting a final sales campaign where all items can be bought at a 40% discount.

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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, 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 removal of trolleys 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.”

Finnair Airbus A350
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock.

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Bottom line

While in-flight and pre-order retail services will be discontinued, Finnair is probably cooking something up to 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 Airbus A350-941
    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