WASHINGTON, Jan 26 (AFP) - There will be no more free lunch for economy passengers on many flights on American Airlines, which on Wednesday announced a new plan to sell boxed meals on board in a 30-million-dollar cost-saving plan.
American said it will sell snack boxes for three dollars and sandwiches for five dollars in the main cabin on many domestic routes longer than three hours, including those serving Hawaii, starting February 1.
The new plan affects 600 domestic flights for the largest US carrier.
First-class passengers will still get complimentary meals, the company said.
Most carriers have eliminated meals on short flights. American said the new program will add options for many of those routes.
"We are committed to giving our customers options, so we will provide the opportunity to purchase food on more flights," said Lauri Curtis, vice president of onboard service. "This will especially benefit our flights out of our mid-continent hubs at DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) and Chicago."
Like many other US carriers, American Airlines has been mired in losses for the past three years. It lost 387 million dollars last year and predicted a difficult 2005 that required more cost-cutting efforts.
American's snack boxes will include items such as cereal bars, dried fruit, bagel chips, cheese and cookies.
Customers traveling on certain transcontinental and Hawaii flights may buy a breakfast croissant sandwich and later in the day, a turkey wrap.
01/26/2005 18:30 GMT - AFP