Airlines Plan to Sell Gifts On There Website

Some airlines have made their websites virtual department stores, hawking watches, jewelry, clothing, office supplies, bar accessories and toys as well as airplane tickets. Airlines say their e-commerce efforts are just beginning, and to make a little money. Jetblue will launch a partnership with a yet-to-be-identified spa, adding various beauty products to the 65 items the carrier is now selling.

More than 80% of jetblue tickets are sold on its website, meaning that a bid for an additional sale is a natural for the airlines. Items on airlines websites range in price from $1.50 to $400, but most merchandise sells for less then $30, such as mugs and travel posters. US Airways and America West, which merged in September, sell 112 items on their websites. Items for sale include notepads, hats, a foam liner to keep a beer can cold and at least two dozens shirts with US Airways logos.

The most expensive shirt cost $19.40. Hobbyists play a major role in merchandise sales. The airlines say model airplanes are their best-selling items. Most are inexpensive, but some are pricy. United sells a Boeing 777 model for $282, and Jetblue charges $215 for an airbus A-320 model.