#33384 - 01/02/0304:48 PMCharging for In-Flight Food?
MrsJonnyCat
old hand
Registered: 10/18/02
Posts: 944
Just came across an article about American West Airlines "test" of charging passengers for meals. If enough people prove to be willing to pay for their food, American West may begin selling food on all of its flights. <br><br>The larger American airlines are considering it, but don't know if they will implement it. Most didn't want to be the first to drop food completely or to start charging for it, but if American West takes the lead, others may be tempted to follow. Its a large cost that airlines have always wanted to eliminate completely, so it may be appealing to them. And of course, given the shape of the industry right now, they want to cut costs wherever possible.<br><br>I always take my own snacks, because I'm still starving after trying to stomach airline food. Here is a list of some of the food items on the American West menu and their price tags:<br><br>- $3 - ice cream<br>- $3 - Snackbox - cheese, crackers, nuts, jerky, cookies (you probably get two meesley pieces of each item).<br>- $5 - Oooh, say it isn't so, The Fancy Snackbox - hot sandwich, chips, salsa, chocolate bar.<br>- Other $5 items - cheese omelet sandwich, cinnamon bun, beef tenderloin patty melt, steak Caesar salad, chicken milano.<br>- $10 Chicken Kiev (just the thought of airline chicken kiev makes my stomach turn, why would I pay $10 to eat it).<br><br>Some European carriers (charters and low fare airlines) sell meals on their flights. I like American Airlines' idea better: they say they have no plans to sell food on its flights, but may drop in-flight food service altogether IF they can negotiate with airports to allow food vendors to sell food at the gate. <br><br><br><br><br>MrsJC<br><br>Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug
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When your thoughts are too expensive to ever wanna keep, sell them on eBay
Any airline adopting this new policy is begging for trouble. They think it's tough dealing with food complaints now... wait 'til folks are paying extra for it!<br><br>I see mega-lawsuits, every time someone feels a little queazy after a meal.<br><br>What they SHOULD be serving is medication to knock us out for the flight. <br><br>
#33386 - 01/02/0305:13 PMRe: Charging for In-Flight Food?
[Re: Mississauga]
MrsJonnyCat
old hand
Registered: 10/18/02
Posts: 944
yah, i like that idea - knocking us out! Flying is so boring, eating kills some time if I eat really slow, but being knocked out would pass the time much quicker! <br><br><br><br><br>MrsJC<br><br>Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug
_________________________
When your thoughts are too expensive to ever wanna keep, sell them on eBay
Here in europe there are some cheap airlines.. eg. ryanair;<br><br>milan - london 1 way can be. e.g. 20 £ = 30 $.. food and meals cost, something like the ones you gave prices for.<br><br>alternatives: 200 - 300 $ one way. with the difference you go to eat to a really nice place after ;)<br><br>Giaguara<br>
#33389 - 01/02/0305:41 PMRe: Charging for In-Flight Food?
[Re: MrsJonnyCat]
margadagio
Princess
Registered: 04/19/02
Posts: 5942
Loc: Toronto
Considering what they try to pass off as food now, I don't think I would feel the loss if they dropped food service altogether. Does this mean the attendants will have more time to serve drinks instead? <br><br><br><br>
#33390 - 01/02/0306:10 PMRe: Charging for In-Flight Food?
[Re: MrsJonnyCat]
walzuhair
Smudgaholic
Registered: 10/24/02
Posts: 4708
Loc: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I don't consider meals served by the majority of airlines to be food. However, if that extra money will allow for real food to be served, then I vote yes. If I can get a diabetic meal, then I vote yes. If I can get a kosher meal, then I vote yes.<br><br><br>http://waleedsgallery.biz
I haven't flown in awhile...but I would take my iPod now if I was to fly.<br><br>The food on British Air wasn't too bad...but for the most part all they give you on domestic flights is peanuts!!<br><br><br>[color:red]Don't make me open this on you!</font color=red><br>