[IP] American to end most food service
ok guys where is the greasy fried chicken. the seats will suffer. Note no
special meals like nonfat kosher djf
December 17, 2004
For most American Airlines' coach passengers, there will no longer be a free
lunch-or breakfast or dinner.
The nation's largest air carrier today said it will eliminate complimentary
food service for coach customers on domestic flights beginning Feb. 1 in a
cost-cutting move that will save the struggling airline $30 million annually.
Instead, Dallas-based American will start selling boxed meals and sandwiches
priced between $3 to $5 on domestic flights longer than three hours.
First Class passengers will still receive free meals but those on
non-transcontinental will no longer be able to place orders for vegetarian or
other specially prepared meals. Free, non-alcoholic beverages will still be
served on all domestic flights.
Airline spokesman Tim Wagner said dropping free food for domestic coach
passengers was made in light of competitive and financial pressures facing the
entire industry. Several other major carriers have either dramatically reduced
or dropped complimentary meals on many domestic flights, he said.
"Currently, we are facing cost issues and historical high fuel prices as well
as a market dynamic of low fares," Wagner said. "We basically have to look at
everything" to boost profits and lower costs.
American and other major airlines have been gradually cutting back on their
complimentary meal service for several years as they faced growing competition
from low-cost rivals, such as Southwest, where free food is limited to peanuts
or light snacks. After air traffic shrank dramatically in the wake of 9-11,
airlines cut back on free meal service even more dramatically.
Even now, American Airlines coach passengers on domestic flights shorter than
three hours are served only beverages and a light snack. Those on many longer
domestic flights receive what is known as a complimentary "Bistro Bag" meal,
which is primarily a sandwich and chips, Wagner said.
But after Feb. 1, the free Bistro Bag will be gone and coach passengers will
have to pay $3 for a snack box, which will contain, among other items, bagel
chips and cream-cheese spread on morning flights and salami slices and Oreo
cookies on afternoon and early evening trips.
On some longer coast-to-coast flights and those to Hawaii, coach passengers
will be able to buy a sandwich or wrap for $5.
"Selling food on-board is not a new concept in our industry, but we went to
great lengths to test various food options with our customers," said Lauri
Curtis, Vice President-Onboard Service, in a statement. "Based on our customer
research and feedback from our flight attendants, we believe our customers will
appreciate this new option with some very attractive price points."
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Copyright 2004 Los Angeles Times
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