American and United Bring Back Free Snacks to Economy
Joe Cortez February 02, 2016
American and United Airlines return free snacks to economy class, resuming service to all three legacy carriers.
Economy flyers aboard American Airlines and United Airlines now have one more perk restored while in the main cabin: free snacks. USA Today reports both legacy carriers will return free food to all classes of service, with United returning their services today.
In a press release, the Chicago-based carrier announced a mixture of options for those flying in economy and premium economy. For flights departing prior to 9:45 a.m., flyers would be offered a Dutch-made stroopwafel. Those aboard later flights would be given the choice between an Asian-style snack mix or a more traditional ranch nut mix. The snacks will be available on all flights within North and Central America, as well as those flying between Honolulu and Guam.
“For the customer heading home from a business trip and for the family embarking on a long-planned vacation, we are building a new in-flight experience of comfort and familiarity,” Jimmy Samartzis, vice president of food services at United, said in the press release. “Complimentary snacks [are] playing a small but important part.”
Not to be outdone, American also announced the resumption of food service in economy class. Economy flyers on key routes, including flights departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to California, will begin receiving complimentary snacks in February. All other routes will begin receiving snacks by April.
“We want customers to choose American every time they fly,” Fernand Fernandez, vice president of global marketing at American, said in a press release. “We are giving our customer more choices to enhance their personal flying experience by offering new service and new entertainment options in all cabins.”
With the announcements, both legacy carriers will join Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines in offering free foods in the economy cabin. Delta is famous for offering the Biscoff cookie, while Southwest has long offered the customary pack of peanuts.
[Photo: United]
My favorite part of the AA snack email: "We're bringing comfort back to travel" . They have a way to go.
@brocklee9000 Nope, drinks only. It has been 5-6 years since any snacks have been served in the back on UA and AA.
"For the customer heading home from a business trip and for the family embarking on a long-planned vacation, we are building a new in-flight experience of comfort and familiarity,” Jimmy Samartzis, vice president of food services at United, said in the press release. “Complimentary snacks [are] playing a small but important part.” Would on-time flights play an important part of the "new flight experience? Keep your damn cookie; fix your crap operations.
i'm confused, so maybe someone can illuminate this for me. So did AA and UA take away snacks, like peanuts and stuff, from economy class? I have only flown DL for the past three years, so I'm unaware of what goes on at the other airlines. Or are they simply trying to offer something a bit...nicer than just pretzels/peanuts? I thought this was standard fare for any flight that was at least long enough to allow the FAs out of their seats for ten minutes.
Pancakes, waffles, French toast, cinnamon buns, and donuts are all traditional breakfast items that potentially are "sickly sweet".