Delta Air Lineswill remove all food and drink service on around450 daily US flightsfrom 19 May 2026, with thecuts focused on short haul routes under 349 miles. The change affects services includingLos Angeles to San Franciscoand creates a clear split between flights losing onboard refreshments and those that will still offer the full in flight menu.
Delta has been scaling back service on its shortest routes for more than a decade. According to the airline, there has been no food or drink service on sectors under 250 miles since 2015, and in 2017 it replaced full service with a reduced express offering on flights under 349 miles. This latest move completes that shift, ending trolley service entirely on a large number of short domestic flights while restoring a fuller service on slightly longer routes.
Delta set out the new policy in a statement toPeople, presenting the move as standardisation rather than a cutback.
'Beginning May 19, Delta is adjusting onboard beverage service to create a more consistent experience across our network,' a spokesperson said.
In practice, that means a clear divide across the domestic network. Some passengers will still receive the usual mini cans, coffee and snacks. Others will get no onboard food or drink service at all.
Under the new rules, passengers in Delta Comfort and Delta Main will receive full beverage and snack service only on flights of 350 miles and above. Flights below that threshold will no longer offer food or drink service in those cabins. The one exception isDelta First, which the airline stressed 'always receives full service', regardless of distance.
The airline acknowledged that the change will be noticeable for travellers used to receiving at least a quick drink on short journeys. It also stressed that cabin crew will remain present in the aisle even where no refreshments are served.
'Even on the small number of flights without beverage service, our crew will continue to be visible, available, and focused on caring for our customers, like they do on every flight,' the statement said.
That description may sound modest, but Delta's own figures show the policy will affect about 450 flights a day. In absolute terms, that is a significant number. Even so, it remains a relatively small share of the airline's wider schedule and is concentrated on short sectors that can be over quickly.
For passengers planning ahead, the reverse question matters just as much. Flights are not losing service across the board.
Source: International Business Times UK
