PARIS- Air France (AF) has announced the removal of complimentary inflight meal service for economy class passengers on short and medium-haul flights starting in 2025.
This decision aligns Air France with two other European airlines that have implemented similar policies, reflecting a growing trend in the aviation industry to maximize revenue.
Air France Inflight Meals
The change will affect intercontinental flights within Europe, eliminating the current meal service that includes a sandwich and cookie for flights exceeding two-and-a-half hours. Air France will replace this with a “Buy on Board” option, maintaining complimentary tea, coffee, or water service along with a cookie.
Initially, the new policy will be tested on routes between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Lisbon or Helsinki. This shift marks a significant departure from Air France’s reputation for extensive inflight meal offerings, even on shorter flights.
An Air France spokesperson stated that the airline continuously evaluates opportunities to adapt its services to meet customer expectations and market trends. This move mirrors similar strategies adopted by U.S. carriers, including increased baggage fees and the introduction of a la carte pricing for basic flight amenities.
Which other Airlines have the Same Policy?
Air France’s decision to eliminate complimentary meals for economy passengers on short and medium-haul flights reflects a broader industry trend. British Airways (BA) and Lufthansa (LH) have already adopted similar a la carte systems, with KLM (KL) considering implementation next year.
American carriers like Delta Air Lines (DL) and United (UA) have long since discontinued inflight meal service for economy passengers.
This policy change disproportionately affects economy travelers. Business class passengers on Air France will continue to receive gourmet snack boxes on short-haul flights and chef-crafted meals on medium-haul routes. This disparity in service highlights the growing gap between the economy and premium travel experiences.
The adoption of budget airline practices by major carriers is becoming increasingly common. United now charges for carry-on luggage at its most basic fare level, mirroring policies of low-cost airlines like Frontier. Colombian airline Avianca has implemented charges for beverages in economy class on most routes.
These incremental fees for basic comforts and necessities are creating a more fragmented and potentially contentious flying experience. The constant addition of extra charges for services once included in the ticket price is reshaping the economics of air travel.
Air France plans to offer free high-speed WiFi for passengers in 2025, potentially as a consolation for the reduced meal service. However, this addition may not fully compensate for the loss of complimentary food service in the eyes of many travelers.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported in 2023 that in-flight catering generates 1.14 million tonnes of food waste annually. This policy change could significantly reduce this waste, aligning with growing environmental concerns in the aviation industry.
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