FORT WORTH, TX – Passengers expecting some kind of meal on American Airlines short haul flights from 1 September will find they are disappointed. The Dallas Texas-based carrier will stop serving free meals to First and Business Class passengers on flights shorter than 2hrs 45mins. American Airlines now only serves full meals on flights longer than 2hrs.
The change is part of American Airlines’ merger plans with US Airways which include adopting a standard cabin service on the two airlines. US Airways previously had only served full meals on flights longer than 3hrs 30mins. In April it reduced that time to 2hrs 45 mins.
The airlines will continue to serve snacks such as fig bars, pretzels, fruit and cookies on shorter flights.
Passengers in the Economy sections can buy meals on flights longer than 2hrs 45mins.
“We have to make sure our customers have a consistent experience no matter what airline they choose,” said Casey Norton, spokesman for American Airlines.
Some popular flights that are in the air for less than 2hrs 45mins, typically Chicago to New York, will be exempt from the policy, he noted.