NEW YORK - Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it would offer free snacks on most short-haul domestic US flights instead of full meal service, and would remove pillows in cost-cutting move.
The move by Delta, which claims to be the world's second-largest airline in terms of passengers carried, comes weeks after it implemented a streamlined fare structure that cuts most fare prices.
It comes as large and small carriers are trying to squeeze costs amid soaring fuel prices and weak travel that put some airlines in bankruptcy.
The latest announcement calls for Delta to replace its current food program, including food for purchase available on select flights, with "complimentary snack options" for economy passengers on all flights of more than 1-1/2 hours within the 48 contiguous US states, Canada, and certain Latin American and Caribbean destinations.
"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 it would offer "a wider assortment of name-brand snacks" including cereal bars, crackers, nuts, and for longer flights, cheese and raisins.
The carrier said it would continue to offer free meals for first-class passengers on flights longer than 3-1/2 hours and in select business markets. All classes of service would get complimentary meals on flights of five hours or more to international destinations and to or from Hawaii and Alaska.
The airline said pillows "will no longer be provided" on most of the short-haul flights, although blankets would be available.
"These changes are part of Delta's transformation plan, which includes initiatives intended to add value to its customers' travel experience while making it easier to do business with Delta," the airline said.
03/09/2005 15:16 GMT