Several global airlines are preparing to abandon free meals on board during certain flights.
Air France will test a new system for purchasing food and drinks on board some of its short – and medium-haul flights starting in 2025, while passengers can purchase meals when booking up to 24 hours before departing, according to euronews.
Meanwhile, budget airlines such as Irish Ryanair and British easyJet continue to offer a free drink and meal on most of its economy class flights.
Business-class passengers will not feel the change, as they will continue to receive a free meal and drinks.
Airlines have been slowly shifting away from free-food since the 90s.
“In recent years, full-service global airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa have adopted the system for shorter flights,” a euronews report reads.
A spokesperson told Dutch aviation magazine Luchtvaartnieuws that charging would allow the airline to expand its onboard food offerings, reported euronews.
Eliminating free in-flight food is also beneficial in the aim of reducing food waste.
The IATA – the trade association for global airlines – in a 2023 report found that 1.14 million tonnes of food waste is generated annually from in-flight catering.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
