Continental Airlines the lastest to stop free meals on budget flights

Airport news for Flights,Travel on 18/03/2010.

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Continental Airlines has become the latest US passenger carrier to scrap free meals on its economy flights. The move comes as the company struggles to keep its head above water in the current economic downturn. It is expected to save the budget airline around $35 million (£23.3 million) a year.

Continental is the latest in a long string of cheap US carriers to axe the free meals as a result of economic pressure. All food served on domestic flights in economy class will now be charged. Business class passengers will, however, still be offered a complimentary meal, as will all passengers on long-haul flights.

Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will still be offered for free on shorter flights and Continental claims it will now be able to improve the quality of its in-flight food. Up until now, the airline has offered a complimentary sandwich on flights longer than two hours and hot meals on journeys longer than three.

The removal of the free ‘extras’ is the latest attempt by US airlines to keep flight prices low for customers in the face of the economic downturn. This no-frills approach was first seen in the United Kingdom with budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. The former has even announced plans to charged customers for using the onboard toilet facilities.

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