Delta Air Lines has triggered backlash after confirming itwillremovefree snacks and drinks on flights under 350 miles, a move that affects hundreds of daily routes and thousands of passengers.
The policy, set to take effect from May 19, will eliminate onboard food and beverage service on approximately 450 daily flights, primarily short-haul routes across the United States.
Under the new system, passengers travelling in Main Cabin and Comfort+ on shorter routes will receive no complimentary snacks or drinks, while those on flights of 350 miles or more will continue to receive standard service.
First-class passengers, however, will remain unaffected and continue to receive full service regardless of flight duration.
The airline has defended the move as part of a broader effort to standardise onboard service across its network.
In an interviewwithPeople, a company spokesperson said: 'Beginning May 19, Delta is adjusting onboard beverage service to create a more consistent experience across our network. Customers travelling in Delta Comfort and Delta Main on flights 350 miles and above will now receive full beverage and snack service, while shorter flights will no longer offer food and beverage service—with the exception of Delta First, which always receives full service.'
He also stressed that cabin crew would continue to prioritise customer care, even on flights where no food or drink is served.
However, critics argue that the justification does little to offset the perception that passengers are losing a long-standing perk.
The decision has triggered a wave of online criticism, with travellers questioning why a major airline would remove even basic refreshments from short flights.
Some passengers have pointed out that complimentary snacks have long been a standard feature of US domestic flights, even on relatively short routes.
Source: International Business Times UK
