Airport Vending Machines: A Complete Guide for Travellers

Before getting started with Airport Vending Machines, it is very important to know the requirements. Take time to research the vending machines, plan properly, and understand how airports work so you can meet the needs of busy travellers in the best way. You need to know the proper knowledge about airport vending machines, as well as the types of vending machines, you can use in the airport. 

How to put a vending machine in an airport: Step by Step

To get a vending machine in an airport, you can follow the following steps. 

1, Research and Planning

The first step is to plan after extensive research, so that the vending machines meet the regulations of the airport.  

• Find busy spots: Choose high-traffic areas like boarding gates, baggage claim zones, or main concourses.
• Check permits and licenses: Airports have strict rules, so make sure to ask about required approvals and follow all regulations.
• Study traveller needs: Learn what products passengers usually buy, based on the airport type and the people who travel through it.

2. Understanding Airport Dynamics

Airports operate like their own small worlds, each with its own systems and routines:

• Foot traffic study: Crowds shift throughout the day, so review these movement patterns to find the best spots for your airport vending machines, airport automated dispensers, or aviation vending units.
• Following airport rules: Every airport has different policies. Work closely with airport management to learn these requirements and understand how they will affect your setup and daily operations.

3. Vending Machine Management

Managing your vending machines the right way helps you boost sales and build a good reputation. To keep everything running smoothly:

• You can use a simple tracking system to check your machines are always stocked with items that people actually buy.
• Review your sales often and update your products based on what travellers prefer and what is trending during different seasons.
• Place your machines in areas where more people pass by, so the machines are easily visible and more likely to attract customers.

Additionally, you should execute an agreement that clearly defines the terms and conditions of the business relationship, including aspects like rental space, commission rates, and utility costs.

4. Maintenance and Servicing

Keeping your vending machine working well is important for happy customers. Make a simple routine that includes:

• Checking the machine regularly to make sure everything is working
• Cleaning it and topping up the products when needed
• Getting quick technical help whenever something goes wrong

5. Types of Vending Machines

1. Combo vending machines

A combo vending machine sells both snacks and drinks in one place, so you don’t need two machines. These combo airport vending machines are useful because travelers can quickly grab chips, soda, candy, and other items without going to a store. They also work well in airport office areas since most people enjoy these quick snacks.

Putting combo vending machines that also offer travel items in airports is a great idea because more travellers prefer easy and fast options. Machines with more payment choices and simple controls usually earn more money than basic ones.

2. Artisanal Snacks and Fresh food (healthy and veggie options)

A lot of people at airports like to pick up healthier food, such as fresh salads or protein-packed meals. These airport salad vending machines make it simple for health-minded travellers to grab something nutritious while they’re on the go.

3. Drinks and fresh juice

Not everyone can access airport lounges or bar areas, so a vending machine with cold drinks can be a perfect alternative. Whether you want a fizzy drink or a fresh juice, you can easily grab something refreshing without looking for a café or restaurant.

4. Coffee and hot beverages

To start a day freshly and actively, everyone wants a kickstart. A coffee vending machine is a good option. People can have different types of cafes, like cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffees, to taste different flavours.  

5. Airplane accessory vending machine

People who travel in a routine want to buy some airplane accessories like, neck pillows, eye masks, noise-cancelling earphones, and many other items. An airport automated kiosk is a good option for them to make their journey comfortable. 

In today’s world, offering disposable face masks and gloves is also extremely helpful. These vending machines in airports​ can sell items like luggage tags, travel pillows, packing cubes, T-shirts, socks, flats, underwear, and toiletry kits—everything a traveller might need in a hurry.

6. Sandwich vending machine

Selling sandwiches from vending machines in airports, at baggage claim too, is a terrific way to keep your vending business profitable. To raise the average purchase amount, you can sell hot or cold sandwiches and even look for machines that have a variety of sauces and side dishes (such as a bag of chips and a drink).

7. Kids’ toys vending machine

People will be captivated by the appearance of a toy machine inside airports and will naturally want to amuse themselves by purchasing one and checking out what they get. These are among the top vending business ideas because of it, and a reason why Chicago Midway International Airport has one.

Every parent has experienced the problem of keeping their children entertained in public at some point. When youngsters are waiting in an airport, a vending company that sells puzzles, Legos, colouring books, fidget spinners, and other tiny toys can be a lifesaver.

8. Pharmaceutical vending machine

Traveling can expose us to new environments and potential health risks. Airport vending machines can stock travel-sized medicines, including pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, and common over-the-counter medications.

This is why Las Vegas International airport sells more than just junk food – and that includes a list of much needed, urgent medicine.

The Max-Well machine, which has locations in airports like Raleigh-Durham and JFK, sells items like stress-relief aids, cold and flu medicines, wearable face masks, disposable masks, sinus and headache relief, healthy foods, and even compression socks. These vending machines ensure that health-conscious travelers are prepared for any unexpected health issues.

9. Chargers, adapters, Virtual Reality, and electronics

Airport vending machines – like the one in Las Vegas – offering apple products, apple airpods, bose headphones, portable chargers, power banks, and other tech accessories with growing demand can cater to the traveler who may have forgotten or lost their own devices., Airport electronic vending machines are very beneficial for travellers.

10. Baby products, diapers

Baby food, diapers, teething rings, and pacifiers are common necessities for traveling parents. You could help a lot of people take care of their infants and toddlers anytime they need to if you placed one of these machines in airports.

6. Securing the Best Spots

The first step is to identify some high traffic locations, and then the next step is to secure the best spots. Steps of vending machine placements at airports. 

• Contact the Airport Authority: You will have to approach the airport authority to inquire about vending spots which are available.
• Submit a Proposal: Give machine type’s detail, product offering, and how it serves the needs of the airport’s passengers.
• Await Approval: The airport authority will review your proposal and consider their operational and aesthetic standards.

7. Advertising Strategies

• You can fill your vending machine with items that travellers mostly need, such as phone chargers, adapters, toiletry kits, snacks, and even small cosmetic products. Choose products that people usually grab at the last minute or while waiting for their flight.
• Make your vending machine look attractive by using bright colours, creative wrap designs, or travel-themed artwork so it catches people’s attention.
• Place your machine in busy airport areas like near baggage claim, restrooms, or lounges. You can also use signs or digital displays for advertisement to help travellers easily find your machine.

8. Customer Engagement

• Make the customer experience best by adding useful technology to your vending machine. You can include touchscreens that show product details or even a fun quiz that suggests items based on where the traveler is headed.
• Add a feedback option so customers can share their thoughts. This will help you to improve your product choices and overall service.
• Partner with other airport shops to create bundle offers. For example, someone who buys a charger from your machine could get a discount at a nearby coffee shop. This helps you become part of the wider airport shopping experience.