After sister airline KLM announced it will probably be scrapping its free sandwich offered to passengers on short- and medium-haul European flights by the end of 2025, Air France currently is the last western European carrier to still offer free food on regional flights.
However, that might soon change as the French carrier has announced a trial phase during which it will be testing out a more American-style, buy-on-board catering system. If the carrier decides to indeed adopt the new approach, passengers would no longer be offered free food during their flights within Europe and to North-Africa and the Middle East.
Before deciding to implement the new approach, Air France will be trialing the buy-on-board scheme on two select flight routes. Passengers flying on those routes will no longer be offered a free meal starting from January 2025. They will, however, receive a free beverage and a snack.
- From Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) to Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Helsinki, Finland
- From Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal
Even though low-cost airlines have been operating in such a way since the beginning, it marks an important evolution for full service carriers such as Air France or KLM. Even though some argue that the change might allow for reduced ticket prices, others aren’t as enthused. The change might, after all, not be reflected in those fares and could be just a way to cut costs or even to create a new revenue stream.
“Air France is constantly studying opportunities to develop its offer, in order to best meet the expectations of its customers, in line with market developments,” the airline told Le Figaro.
However, only passengers travelling in Economy class should be worried by the change. Business class voyagers will experience no change at all during their travels with Air France. “Customers will continue to receive a full service consisting of a chef’s signature cold platter, accompanied by hot and cold beverages and a selection of wines and champagne”, Air France explained.
