Yet another European airline is cutting back on one of the few perks left for economy passengers: free in-flight food.
As part of a growing trend, several airlines have begun shifting from complimentary meals to buy-on-board programs. The latest to join the list? KLM. So, what does this mean for travelers, and will more airlines follow suit?
KLM Says Goodbye to Free Sandwiches
KLM, the Dutch flag carrier, recently announced that it will be phasing out free in-flight meals on many of its short-haul European flights, starting with the economy class. Instead of the free sandwiches passengers have come to expect, they’ll now have to pay for food from a buy-on-board menu. This change is expected to roll out in early 2025.
Why the Shift to Paid Meals?
It’s no secret that airlines are always looking for ways to cut costs, and complimentary meals are often one of the first things to go. The shift to paid food options allows airlines to streamline their services, reduce food waste, and offer passengers a wider selection of meal choices—at a price, of course. According to KLM, this move will also help the airline focus on more sustainable catering options, but let’s be honest—this is really about the bottom line.
The End of an Era for European Air Travel?
KLM’s decision comes on the heels of similar moves by other European airlines, though KLM is considering retaining complimentary drinks like water, coffee, and tea for economy passengers, even with the new buy-on-board system. Air France is also experimenting with buy-on-board programs for its shorter flights but has not fully committed to removing complimentary meals?.
The airline will still serve complimentary meals on long-haul flights, travelers on shorter routes will now have to pay if they want anything more than a snack.
Buy-On-Board Programs: The New Normal?
This transition to buy-on-board programs is becoming the new normal for many airlines, especially for short-haul routes within Europe. Passengers are increasingly expected to pay for the extras that were once included in the ticket price. Some travelers appreciate the broader selection and fresher options that come with buy-on-board menus, while others see it as yet another nickel-and-diming tactic by airlines.
What Can Passengers Expect?
For those flying KLM or Air France in 2025, expect to see a menu with paid options instead of the familiar complimentary offerings. The airlines are promising that the new food selection will be of higher quality, but it’s still unclear how much these items will cost and whether travelers will find the shift worth it.
Not Just Europe—A Global Trend
This move isn’t limited to Europe. Airlines around the world, including U.S. carriers, have been gradually cutting back on complimentary services in economy class, replacing them with paid options. The idea is that customers who want better food or drinks can pay for premium options, while those who just want the cheapest ticket possible can forgo in-flight meals altogether.
Will Other Airlines Follow?
It’s hard to say, but with KLM and Air France both making this shift, it’s likely that other European carriers could follow. Low-cost airlines have been doing this for years, and now even full-service airlines are rethinking their approach to in-flight service. As fuel costs rise and airlines look for ways to boost revenue, passengers may have to adjust to the idea of fewer “free” perks.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For budget-conscious travelers, this shift could be frustrating. If you’re used to getting a sandwich and drink included in your fare, the thought of paying for an overpriced snack mid-flight isn’t exactly appealing. However, frequent fliers may have already adapted, bringing their own food onboard or skipping meals altogether.
Will Quality Make Up for the Cost?
One of the selling points airlines are pushing with buy-on-board programs is that the food will be fresher and of higher quality than the old, mass-produced meals. But will passengers see this as an improvement, or just another way to get more money out of them? Time will tell whether travelers embrace or reject this new model.
Is It the End of Free Food Altogether?
While free meals aren’t going away completely—especially on long-haul flights—it’s clear that airlines are rethinking what services they include in their basic fares. The shift to buy-on-board programs may signal a slow but steady decline in the perks that used to come with flying. For many passengers, this is just another step in the gradual “unbundling” of airline services.
What You Can Do About It
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to pay for airline food, there’s always the option to bring your own meals and snacks onboard. Just make sure to follow airport security guidelines for liquids and other restrictions. Otherwise, be prepared to shell out a few extra euros (or dollars) for your in-flight dining experience.
Final Thoughts
KLM and Air France are the latest in a string of airlines phasing out complimentary food, and it’s likely we’ll see more airlines making similar moves in the future. While this shift may offer better food options, it also means another cost for passengers to consider. As airlines continue to tighten their belts, travelers might have to get used to the idea that “free” in-flight meals could soon be a thing of the past.
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Jeffry Surianto.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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