NWA to Standardize Domestic Coach Meal Service with smartsnacks

Northwest will standardize its domestic and sun destination coach class meal services beginning March 1 and continuing in phases through the beginning of April.

The program revisions include the introduction of smartsnacks -- a $3 snack box and a $5 fresh sandwich, both of which will be changed on a regular basis. The smartsnacks snack box will contain popular, brand name non-perishable items such as chips, crackers, cheese, cookies and raisins. The smartsnacks fresh sandwiches will include vegetarian, deli meat or breakfast choices and will be available on longer flights.

On March 1, the snack box will replace complimentary meals in coach class on flights to the West Coast from Northwest's hubs and from Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Also at that time, on the more than 220 domestic flights where Northwest currently has meals for sale, the snack box will be available for purchase.

On March 15, complimentary meals in coach will be discontinued on flights from the West Coast to Hawaii. Complimentary meals also will be discontinued on March 15 on flights from the hubs to Alaska and sun destinations (San Juan, Puerto Rico and Liberia, Costa Rica). On these flights, the snack box as well as the sandwich will be available. Both the snack box and the sandwich will be for sale throughout the flight should customers wish to purchase more of either product.

On April 4, the snack box and sandwich will be available in place of complimentary meals in coach class on flights from Northwest's hubs to Hawaii. Both items will be for sale throughout the flight.

Some 450 flights will offer smartsnacks when the program begins on March 1 and the new food options will be available on 480 Northwest flights by April 4.

"We have learned a great deal about customer preferences over the past two years while we ran our current buy-on-board test program," said Hector Adler, VP-inflight services. "Customers have told us they want more choice, control, convenience and consistency when it comes to onboard meal services. These changes deliver on all of these points.

"In addition, due to the current competitive airline environment, Northwest must focus on its primary business: providing safe, reliable and efficient air transportation by offering competitive ticket prices and flexible and comprehensive scheduling. We know customers make their air transportation decisions based on these considerations and not on food services," Adler added.

Meals remain complimentary in first class and World Business Class for all Northwest flights of at least two hours duration that occur at mealtimes. Meals also remain complimentary in coach class on flights to/from Europe and Asia. (for now )