Airlines faced with high fuel prices could charge for food in order to cut costs
Airlines faced with high fuel prices could charge for food in order to cut costs
The end of free food on flights could be in sight, along with the introduction of other cost-cutting tactics. Charges for food in economy class, including on long-haul flights, could become standard as airlines continue to face high fuel prices.
Aviation experts think that carriers are considering all possible
cost-cutting options as airlines struggle to remain competitive, reports The Times. As well as charges for food, pay-per-view films and allocated seat charges could be introduced.
"Charges for what you get for free now are definitely being considered on network airlines," said Peter Morrell, professor of air transport at Cranfield University. Other money-saving possibilities include fewer cabin attendants, advertising on seats, scratch card sales and priority boarding fees.
American Airlines have already introduced sandwich charges on domestic journeys within the
US and other US airlines have a similar policy in place. "Sandwich and drinks charges would not go down well with
business travellers who pay as much as £800...to fly economy," said Tom Otley of Business Traveller magazine.
Ryanair has predicted that the number of mainstream airlines in Europe will be reduced to five as competition increases; itself,
easyJet,
British Airways,
Lufthansa and
Air France.
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