September 27th 2024.
As the plane takes off and the engines hum, the cabin crew begins their duties, pushing the service cart down the narrow aisle. With practiced efficiency, they serve passengers with a smile, offering drinks and snacks to keep them satisfied during the flight. For some, the complimentary box of airplane food is a welcome treat, while for others, it may not be their preferred choice. Nevertheless, it helps to pass the time during the journey.
However, for those flying with Air France, this may soon change. The airline has announced that they will be testing out a new buy-on-board system for food and drinks on some of their shorter flights starting in 2025. This means that passengers will no longer be able to enjoy the free sandwiches, pastries, and drinks that were previously offered on most economy flights. Instead, they will have the option to purchase a la carte meals, with a wider selection of hot food available.
But fear not, as Air France promises that passengers will still receive free drinks such as tea, coffee, and water, as well as a sweet cookie on flights over two and a half hours. The change will initially be implemented on flights from Paris to Helsinki and Lisbon, with the possibility of expanding it to other routes in the future. Passengers on affected flights will be informed in advance of their departure.
Thankfully, not all passengers will be affected by this change. Business class passengers will still be able to enjoy a complimentary in-flight meal, along with a selection of hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages. The decision to introduce a fee for economy passengers was made in order to expand the food options available on board, according to Dutch media outlet Luchtvaartnieuws. It is unclear whether this change will result in cheaper fares for passengers.
In a statement to USA Today, an Air France spokesperson explained that the airline is constantly looking for ways to improve their services and cater to customer expectations. This change is in line with the current trend of airlines moving towards paid food options on shorter flights. Air France's sister airline, KLM, is also undergoing a similar trial to phase out free meals by the end of 2025.
This trend is not limited to European airlines, as major carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa have also eliminated complimentary meals for economy passengers on shorter flights. This news comes on the heels of Wizz Air's announcement of a new long-haul route from Gatwick Airport to Saudi Arabia, with tickets priced as low as £134.99. However, passengers on this budget airline will have to forego in-flight entertainment, complimentary coffee, and reclining seats.
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