Airlines Try In-Flight Pitches to Raise Revenue

Flight attendant asks passengers to sign up for Bank of America credit card

February 27, 2012

Your flight crew - and sales staff.

A number of U.S. airlines are in financial trouble. Several have merged or will do so soon.

Just about all of them are charging fees for checked bags, and selling, rather than giving away, whatever food is offered onboard.

And many are turning to in-flight sales pitches to raise money.

On a recent flight, we heard an attendant make a cabin announcement asking passengers to consider signing up for a Bank of America credit card.

Where could this lead?

We can just hear the little bing chime, followed by:

“Uh, this is Captain Bigley from the flight deck. Welcome aboard Cash-Strapped Airlines flight 241. And speaking of two-for-one, a reminder that you can stay two nights at Happy Inn Motels across America for the price of one. Our destination is Denver, where the folks at Reliable Rent-a-Car are waiting to serve you. So sit back in your seats by Ferndale Furniture, purchase a couple of Frosty-Up Sodas, and enjoy your flight. When we reach our cruising altitude, the flight attendants will be by, selling Cash-Strapped Airlines’ Scratch-off Lottery tickets.”

A typical in-flight “meal” these days. On the wrapper, note the ad promoting the airline’s frequent-flier program.