In an effort to battle the economic problems of the flight industry, America West Airlines began testing a “Buy on Board” program for various in-flight meals last week. The selection ranges from $3 snack packs to $10 meals, complete with entree, side dishes and dessert.
The experiment is beginning on about a dozen flights a day for three weeks, and if it proves successful, America West could begin selling meals on all flights longer than 2.5 hours.
The “Buy on Board” program is not for profit, but an alternative to raising ticket prices to offset the cost of providing food, said America West spokeswoman Janice Monahan.
Other airlines, such as Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines, are also considering selling food aboard their flights.
This is a bold move by America West and should be applauded. Though the initial idea of charging extra for previously included in-flight food service is shocking to most air travelers, it is the optimal solution to an industry plagued with financial problems.
Given the choice between airlines hiking up the rate of every ticket to compensate for meal costs, or airlines charging additional fees to only those who want in-flight food, the former is more appealing. Many complain about the quality of airplane food, and some turn it down altogether. Those same people should not be penalized and charged extra on tickets for a service they denounce and refuse.
Another benefit of this is the possibility of variety. While most airlines serve only one or two meals, in addition to a vegetarian alternative, America West will offer a small menu of entrees and lighter fare, which is a better option for those with smaller airborne appetites. Instead of raising (for example) an automatic $10 extra per ticket for a meal a passenger might not like or not finish eating, the passenger can instead chose to buy a $3 snack box consisting of nuts, beef jerky and cookies, or nothing at all.
Also, if other airlines begin to follow suit, it is likely competition of in-flight foods will ensue, which could drive down prices marginally. This could also force the airlines to improve the quality of the food, which is something passengers have complained about since the beginning of the complimentary service.
Though it appears America West is beginning a trend of taking away a time-honored “free” service of all flights, it is instead offering the fairest possible option to hungry passengers, and in doing so, may also indirectly improve one of the poorest aspects of air travel.
