Delta Airlines coach passengers who want a meal during their flight will soon have to pack it on board with their carry-on items. Those planning to snooze will need to bring a pillow. The airline will no longer sell food items beginning April 3.
Putting a positive spin on the announcement, Delta's press release pointed out that passengers would receive bigger snack selections. It said it is replacing the meal purchase option with complimentary snack options in Economy Class on all flights of greater than 1-1/2 hours within the 48 contiguous states, Canada, and certain Latin American and Caribbean destinations, excluding Delta Shuttle and Song.
"Delta's new onboard offering is a simplified, value-driven service designed to further reduce the complexity in today's air travel," said Paul Matsen, Delta's chief marketing officer. "Our customers asked for more choice, consistency, and convenience, and we are responding."
Delta said its new snack menu will a choice of SunChips Multigrain Snacks, Quaker Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar, King Honey Roasted Peanuts, Old Colony Big Top Animal Crackers, and Lance Swiss on Wheat Crackers in First Class on all flights and in Economy Class on flights of 1-1/2 hours or more.
Those riding coach will have to settle for a pre-packaged Snack Pack filled with crackers, cheese, Oreo cookies, and Sun-Maid raisins, on flights longer than 3-1/2 hours.
In First Class, Delta's first class passengers will continue to get complimentary meal service on flights longer than 3-1/2 hours and in select business markets on flights less than 3-1/2 hours, including flights between Atlanta and Boston, New York's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports, and between Cincinnati and Boston.
Delta is also following the lead of several other legacy carriers, no longer providing pillows on flights within the 48 contiguous states, Bermuda, Canada, and Central American and Caribbean destinations beginning in mid-March. Delta said that cutback has more to do with making room for extra carry-on luggage than saving money. Blankets will continue to be available on these flights.
Delta says the cutbacks are part of the airline's "transformation plan," which includes initiatives intended to "add value to its customers' travel experience while making it easier to do business with Delta."
