Continental Airlines, which at one time boasted about giving away free hamburgers while others were passing out small bags of pretzels, has joined US Airways and others that will soon charge for food.
The Houston-based airline is joining Delta, American and United in launching its food program, which a spokesman says should bring in $35 million in new revenues.
Continental passengers on some international routes, on domestic flights over six hours and those who sit in first or business class on routes worldwide will continue to get free food.
Snacks like pretzels and nonalcoholic drinks will still be free for all passengers.
The changes take effect in the fall.
Menu choices and prices will be disclosed later.
Currently, Continental flights lasting less than two hours usually have a free beverage service with a small snack like pretzels. Flights of two to three hours offer a small sandwich roll, or a muffin in the morning. Flights over three hours currently offer a free hot sandwich or other hot meal, or cereal in the morning.
In one of its past commercials, Continental said that for other airlines, meals have become pie in the sky, while it was still proud to serve complimentary meals.
”While free food was a nice point of distinction for Continental, we could not provide the same caliber of food on that basis that we can under a food-for-sale program,” spokesman Dave Messing said.
By David Wilkening
