Dutch flag carrier KLM is considering scrapping the free sandwich offered to passengers on short- and medium-hall European flights.
Currently, the airline offers “even on the shortest flights”, a snack and a drink. On longer flights within Europe, you’ll also be offered a fresh sandwich. We vary the selection regularly. All options are vegetarian, such as a typical Dutch sandwich with cheese, to make our flights a little more sustainable”, KLM’s website explains in the services for economy.
However, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the airline is considering scrapping that service, with a decision expected to be made by the end of next year at the latest. Following in the footsteps of other full-service airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways, instead of the complementary sandwich, a wider variety of snacks and meals will be introduced for a fee.
“Our passengers come from all over the world and travel across different time zones. Their needs are very diverse and do not always align with our current standard catering offering. That is why we are exploring a new service in economy class within Europe with more choices. We are studying various concepts that would enable a broader assortment for a fee”, the airline explained in a statement to Simple Flying.
One option is for the coffee, tea, water and a small snack to still remain free, while any additional beverages and food to come at a price. The carrier is also looking into the possibility of passengers pre-ordering their meals, a service it already offers on intercontinental flights departing from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.
“We see that our competitors have already made a similar service adjustment earlier. Additionally, it can help with calculating the flight’s load, so less unnecessary food and beverage weight needs to be carried”, the statement explained.
Should KLM completely scrap this service, its partner airline, Air France, will remain the only western European carrier to still offer free food on regional flights. It is not unlikely however that the French carrier will also take a similar measure soon.
As more full-service airlines scrap some of their free offerings and introducing “for a fee” options, it seems like they are increasingly adopting low-cost business models, but just without the low-cost fares.
