Lufthansa Drops Known Service; Munich Travelers Affected
- MUNICH (AP) — Lufthansa will discontinue on-board sales on it's long-haul flights beginning in September, affecting flights from Munich Airport and other locations.
- the Federal Statistical Office reports that the nation's 22 major airports served approximately 200 million passengers.
- A Lufthansa spokesman confirmed to the German press agency, dpa, that on-board sales would cease across the entire Lufthansa network starting in September.
Lufthansa to End On-board Sales on Long-Haul Flights
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MUNICH (AP) — Lufthansa will discontinue on-board sales on it’s long-haul flights beginning in September, affecting flights from Munich Airport and other locations.
The move comes as air travel remains a popular option. the Federal Statistical Office reports that the nation’s 22 major airports served approximately 200 million passengers. Munich Airport alone sees more than 40 million passengers annually. While en route, many travelers purchase items such as perfumes, cigarettes, and sunglasses.However, Lufthansa passengers will soon see this service eliminated.
Economic Factors Behind Lufthansa’s Decision
A Lufthansa spokesman confirmed to the German press agency, dpa, that on-board sales would cease across the entire Lufthansa network starting in September. The industry portal Aerotelegraph previously reported the change.
The airline cites economic reasons for the decision. The spokesman stated that declining demand coupled with rising procurement costs made the on-board sales unprofitable. The service had already been phased out on some long-haul routes. Lufthansa has not offered on-board sales on short-haul flights for some time.
Munich Airport Flights Affected
The Lufthansa spokesman confirmed that the change will impact all long-haul flights operated by the airline, including those departing from both Frankfurt Airport and Munich airport. lufthansa currently offers long-distance flights from Munich to destinations such as Los Angeles and Tokyo.
subsidiary airlines, such as Austrian airlines, are not immediately affected. A spokeswoman for Austrian Airlines stated that they currently offer on-board sales on both long-haul and short-haul flights and have no plans to discontinue the service. many passengers fly from Munich to long-distance destinations via Vienna-Schwechat Airport with the Lufthansa subsidiary.
Other airlines Maintain On-Board Sales
Other German airlines do not plan to follow Lufthansa’s lead. Tuifly reports strong demand for on-board sales, particularly on longer tourist flights to destinations such as the Canary Islands. The airline considers the on-board shop an significant part of the travel experience.
Lufthansa competitor Condor also has no current plans to discontinue on-board sales. The airline regularly assesses profitability and reports strong sales, especially on flights to popular vacation destinations.
Lufthansa Focuses on Overall Service Enhancements
Lufthansa is implementing other changes to its long-haul service. As April, the airline has been testing new products and processes in economy class through the “FOX” project, according to a spokesman. Upgrades to higher classes are planned in the coming months. Details of the changes remain unspecified, but Lufthansa aims to improve the overall service experience for passengers.
In addition to upgrading food and beverage options, Lufthansa is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to scan cleared trays. The airline hopes to analyze passenger preferences based on flight route, travel class, and meal choices to optimize portion sizes and dining selections. (JR/DPA)
Lufthansa Ending On-board Sales: Your Questions Answered
Q: What major change is Lufthansa making regarding its in-flight services?
A: Lufthansa is discontinuing on-board sales on all long-haul flights, starting in September. This impacts flights departing from Munich Airport and other locations.
Q: why is Lufthansa making this decision?
A: According to a Lufthansa spokesman, the decision stems from economic factors. Declining demand for on-board purchases,combined with rising procurement costs,has made the sales unprofitable. The airline had already phased out these sales on some long-haul routes. Also, Lufthansa has not offered on-board sales on short-haul flights for some time.
Q: Which flights will be affected by this change?
A: The change will affect all long-haul flights operated by Lufthansa,including those departing from Frankfurt Airport and Munich airport. Lufthansa currently offers long-distance flights from Munich to destinations such as Los Angeles and Tokyo.
Q: Will other airlines be implementing similar changes?
A: Not necessarily. Subsidiary airlines, such as Austrian Airlines, are not immediately affected and currently offer on-board sales. Competitors like Tuifly and Condor also have no current plans to discontinue their on-board sales.
Q: Are there other service enhancements being planned by Lufthansa?
A: Yes, Lufthansa is implementing other changes to its long-haul service to improve the overall passenger experience. Since April, the airline has been testing new products and processes in economy class through the “FOX” project, according to a spokesman. Upgrades to higher classes are planned in the coming months, although details remain unspecified. in addition to upgrading food and beverage options, Lufthansa is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to scan cleared trays to optimize portion sizes and dining selections.
Q: How many passengers travel through Munich Airport?
A: Munich Airport sees more than 40 million passengers annually. Air travel remains a popular option, with the nation’s 22 major airports serving approximately 200 million passengers.
Q: Which items do passengers often purchase on Lufthansa flights?
A: Many travelers purchase items such as perfumes, cigarettes, and sunglasses while on board.