Airlines continue to take measures to reduce their costs to allow them to continue to offer cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages. To that end, Continental announced on March 1st that it is no longer offering free pretzels or other snacks to domestic passengers flying coach.
While some travelers complain about the seemingly forever declining services that airlines are offering, others appreciate the airlines continuing to figure out how to offer cheap travel options. By ending the practice of serving free snacks to economy class passengers, Continental will be able to save $2.5 million annually.
Continental noted that it was taking this step as a cost savings initiative and to better align itself with competitors. This move means Continentals snack policy is the same as United, which purchased Continental last year.
Both airlines will continue to offer complimentary beverage service. American and US Airways are among other major domestic U.S. airlines that have stopped offering complimentary in-flight snack service.
Continentals cost saving move leaves a decreasing number of U.S. airlines, primarily low cost carriers that continue to offer free snacks in coach. AirTran, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest are currently offering their passengers free snacks.
Delta is now the last of the large traditional legacy airlines to offer free snacks in coach. According to Delta, it is not currently planning to change this policy.
Whether such a policy offers airlines a competitive advantage remains to be seen. Fliers at Clevelands Hopkins International Airport indicated that Continentals decision to discontinue offering free snacks would not impact their decision as which airline to fly on.
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