This European airline will stop providing complimentary meals during flights as part of a new trial
Planning to fly with Air France next year? You might want to consider bringing some additional snacks.
The French air carrier has revealed plans to pilot a new program where complimentary meals for economy class passengers will be discontinued in favor of a “Buy on Board” approach on select short- and medium-haul flights beginning in early 2025.
“Air France consistently explores options to enhance its services to better align with customer demands and market trends,” stated a spokesperson from the airline in an email to YSL News.
During this trial, passengers will still receive free drinks, including tea, coffee, and water, as well as a “sweet cookie.” They will then have the opportunity to buy food items from a menu.
Currently, travelers on medium-haul flights over two and a half hours are served a “fresh sandwich,” as indicated on the airline’s website. With the new “Buy on Board” system, more hot meal selections will be offered for purchase.
This trial will not change the service provided on long-haul flights, only affecting routes between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and cities like Lisbon or Helsinki. Travelers on impacted flights will receive advance notifications about the change.
Passengers flying in business class on any route will still have access to the complete in-flight service experience, including wine and champagne options.
Air France’s sister airline, KLM, is also conducting a similar trial, considering permanently eliminating free meals by the end of 2025, as reported by Dutch media outlet Luchtvaartnieuws. Most airlines have already eliminated complimentary meals in economy on shorter flights, like British Airways. In the U.S., most airlines only provide complimentary meals in economy on long-haul flights, such as international journeys.