2010-03-19

Continental Airlines Cuts Free Meals on Domestic Flights

Booking a flight often comes down to a simple question – first-class or economy? For those who can afford it, the luxurious and undeniably more comfortable first-class is looking better and better as major airlines around the globe begin to cut back on expenses that made coach class bearable.

For the first time in seven years, Continental Airlines has joined the ranks of its many competitors by no longer serving free meals to customers in economy class. Despite remaining one of the last airlines to offer complimentary snacks and food to its passengers, the decision to end this long-standing policy marks a time in which passengers will no longer be able to expect a free meal when they board a plane.

For years after most airlines stopped providing free food on their flights, Continental Airlines remained a company that believed giving their passengers free meals would increase customer loyalty and, in the long run, increase revenue. However, the ‘unbundling’ trend is one that has finally reached the seemingly old-fashioned airline.

Unbundling is a term used within airline companies to describe the process of charging less for tickets, and offering services that not all passengers would want for a small, separate fee. By joining other airlines in charging for meals in the coach cabin, Continental Airlines is allowing their tickets to be sold at more competitive prices, something customer loyalty has apparently not been able to make up for.

However, as frequent fliers will say, charging more for services previously included in the cost of the ticket comes at a bad time. Airlines have recently been increasing prices, and this new policy may be coming at an inopportune time, one that may push already irritated, tired, and jet lagged commuters over the edge.

[Image: farm4]

This post was originally posted by NileGuide @ NileGuidance: A Travel Blog.
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