Vending Machines Selling Surprise Flights

Does the idea of a mystery vacation sound appealing to you? The destination will be a complete surprise, and all you have to do is simply pay a fee and all will be revealed. Now, what if you could do all of this from a vending machine? Skip the travel agency, your next getaway is going to be planned by the same type of automated machine you get your can of Pepsi from. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly these vending machines are selling, who is actually buying these surprise vacations, and where are some of the destinations this vending machine is sending you.  

It all began as a marketing ploy by the Japanese airline Peach Aviation. The vending machine was placed in the city of Osaka and to their surprise, more than 3,000 trips were sold with up to 150 a day. Since then, a second vending machine has been set up in Tokyo. The vending machines dispense a capsule with information inside telling you your surprise destination and a readout of points are also dispersed that you can use to purchase a ticket with the airline. In addition to the points you receive, you are also given an itinerary once you arrive in the city, which are typically fun missions to complete while you’re visiting your surprise destination. Accommodations are up to you once you arrive, but a capsule will only cost you ¥5,000, or $44. The destinations are typically to popular places around Japan, such as Sapporo.

With the two vending machines set up in Osaka and Tokyo, people are continuing to purchase surprise destinations. The excitement of receiving a tiny capsule telling you where you’re going creates an attractive thrill that has become very popular. The flights depart out of the nearest airport to the machine, and more of these vending machines are being installed in more cities throughout Japan.

It has become a great way for people to explore new places they never would’ve gone otherwise, and could potentially change the way people look at their future destinations. There is always the possibility of discovering something new and exciting in a place you’ve never been before.

In Osaka, the capsules can lead you to one of thirteen surprise destinations, and one of eleven at the Tokyo vending machine. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the planning of travel for most people, Peace Airlines hopes to continue the sale of their capsules from their vending machines and give everyone who wants it a chance to purchase a surprise destination.

Vending machines in Japan can sell anything from grocery items to clothing to fresh flowers. When Peace Airlines began their silly promotional idea, they had no idea it would become so popular, and continues to grow in interest. The idea of buying a surprise destination might sound crazy to some, but for others it has given them an exciting thrill. If you had the chance to buy a surprise destination from a vending machine, would you?