Delta might reintroduce free meals for economy fliers on
some transcontinental routes.
If it does, Delta would be the first major U.S. carrier to
offer free meals with any economy class tickets since Continental did away with
that service as it merged with United in 2010.
Since Nov. 1, Delta has been testing complimentary meals for
coach passengers on flights between New York and Los Angeles. The meals have
included the option of a honey maple breakfast sandwich or a healthier
breakfast medley on morning flights and the option of a mesquite-smoked turkey
sandwich with chips or a Mediterranean whole grain veggie wrap with grapes on
afternoon flights. The test period ends Dec. 15, and Delta says that it is
closely monitoring customer satisfaction scores.
"Results from the current testing will be evaluated
along with other factors to determine whether or not the airline will implement
complimentary fresh meals in the main cabin on transcon flights," Delta
spokeswoman Catherine Sirna said.
In the meantime, Delta said that it is changing its snack
offerings for economy passengers, starting Dec. 15.
Gone will be the Delta-branded peanuts and pretzels. Delta
will replace those products with Snyder's of Hanover pretzels, Squirrel Brand
honey-roasted peanuts and NatureBox apple cinnamon yogurt bars. The new snack
portions will be larger than the current ones.
Delta will continue offering Biscoff cookies as a snack.
Unlike United and American, Delta never eliminated free snacks
in the economy cabin while airlines struggled during the years after 9/11.