Another European airline is phasing out complimentary in-flight food

Whether you love or hate in-flight meals, there’s no denying the jingle of the trolly breaks up the monotony of a long journey.

But free snacks could be the next casualty of airlines’ cost-cutting measures as another European carrier plans to scrap them in a new trial.

Air France, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, will test out a new buy-on-board system for food and drinks on some of its short and medium-haul flights from 2025.

Currently, the airline offers an edge over budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet by providing a free drink and sandwich, snack or pastry on most of its economy class flights – depending on the duration.

Which Air France routes will stop providing free food?

Currently, Air France passengers can purchase a la carte meals when booking or up to 24 hours before departure. Looking ahead, they may have the option to buy on board.

Initially, the optional paid catering system will be introduced on Air France’s routes from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Helsinki and Lisbon. 

It is yet to be seen whether the cost savings will translate into lower ticket prices or whether it will be rolled out across other routes.

Not all will be lost, however: passengers will still be offered water or a hot drink with a small sweet or salty snack.

Business class passengers will be unaffected by the change, and will still receive a complimentary meal alongside hot and cold drinks and a selection of alcoholic beverages.

Do other European airlines still give out free food?

Free food has gradually been phased out on most short- and medium-haul flights since budget airlines like Ryanair pioneered the pay-on-board model in the 1990s.

In recent years, full-service global airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa have adopted the system for shorter flights.

The Netherlands’ flag carrier KLM was also recently revealed to be considering removing complimentary catering for economy passengers. 

Charging a fee would allow the airline to expand its on-board food offerings, a spokesperson told Dutch aviation magazine Luchtvaartnieuws.

Scrapping complimentary in-flight catering could have a silver lining: reducing food waste. In 2023, IATA found that 1.14 million tonnes of food waste was generated from in-flight catering annually.

It will also help to remove the temptation for those wishing to try the controversial ‘raw-dogging’ trend, which sees passengers forgo entertainment, food and drinks in a bid for a more ‘mindful’ flying experience.