United to charge passengers small fortune for snacks

Although the era of complimentary meals on domestic flights of any length in the United States appears to be over, United Airlines has gone an extra step by charging passengers $9 for many of its in-flight snacks. While the carrier used to charge $7 for “fresh” snacks and light meals, this price is now being raised to $9, while pre-packaged snack boxes will cost $6. Additionally, free cookies and pretzels will also become memories of the past. United explained in a memo to staff earlier today that these very modest luxuries will be cut on most domestic and trans-border (USA/Canada) flights starting next month. Even business class passengers will find flight attendants charging them extra for all snacks and light meals, though beverage service will remain free of charge in this cabin. Only those with first class tickets can now expect to receive a free light meal or snack on United’s domestic flights. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, United is also looking to strike free meals from its long-haul flights to Europe, asking passengers to buy food instead.

Major airlines in the United States are cutting back service across the board and free beverages and light snacks were the first to be axed earlier this year. US Airways, for example, has already cancelled its complimentary non-alcoholic drinks on all North American flights. Additionally, United Airlines and US Airways have both scrapped the free checked baggage services and as such, passengers must now pay for each item of luggage that they submit. All of these fees are said to be necessary due to high fuel prices and economic woes.

Thank you to Lauren Pollock of the Wall Street Journal for the initial report.  

www.united.com