tommy
05-29-2003, 04:37 PM
US Air to sell food inflight
Airline plans to sell food on most domestic flights, instead of passing out free snacks or meals.
May 29, 2003: 12:58 PM EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group will sell food instead of passing out free snacks or meals on most longer domestic flights, it said Thursday, setting a precedent other airlines testing for-sale food service could follow.
US Airways, the No. 7 U.S. airline, said it will switch from the traditional airline food service -- often derided by travelers -- to meals it created with bagel and sandwich chain Einstein Bros.
Other leading U.S. airlines, including No. 2 United Airlines and No. 4 carrier Northwest Airlines, have cut back on complimentary food and experimented with inflight sales to save money in the dour travel environment.
Delta Air Lines' new lower-cost carrier, Song, already sells food and asks customers to vote on which items they prefer.
Arlington, Va.-based US Airways serves snacks in coach class on many flights but has been testing meal sales for two months. It will initially sell a breakfast of an Einstein muffin, fruit salad and yogurt for $7. Lunch and dinner consists of a gourmet sandwich or chicken salad, with sides and a drink, for $10.
US Airways said it plans to launch the service in coach on most flights longer than 700 miles on July 1, and rotate its menu each month. It said it will test its "In-flight Cafe" service on its express flights this fall.
First-Class passengers will still receive meals for free.
Airline plans to sell food on most domestic flights, instead of passing out free snacks or meals.
May 29, 2003: 12:58 PM EDT
NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group will sell food instead of passing out free snacks or meals on most longer domestic flights, it said Thursday, setting a precedent other airlines testing for-sale food service could follow.
US Airways, the No. 7 U.S. airline, said it will switch from the traditional airline food service -- often derided by travelers -- to meals it created with bagel and sandwich chain Einstein Bros.
Other leading U.S. airlines, including No. 2 United Airlines and No. 4 carrier Northwest Airlines, have cut back on complimentary food and experimented with inflight sales to save money in the dour travel environment.
Delta Air Lines' new lower-cost carrier, Song, already sells food and asks customers to vote on which items they prefer.
Arlington, Va.-based US Airways serves snacks in coach class on many flights but has been testing meal sales for two months. It will initially sell a breakfast of an Einstein muffin, fruit salad and yogurt for $7. Lunch and dinner consists of a gourmet sandwich or chicken salad, with sides and a drink, for $10.
US Airways said it plans to launch the service in coach on most flights longer than 700 miles on July 1, and rotate its menu each month. It said it will test its "In-flight Cafe" service on its express flights this fall.
First-Class passengers will still receive meals for free.