In a move that could be deemed “well, that took long enough to happen”, Lufthansa Group is to move away from free catering in economy class, and will offer buy-on-board across its airline family.
Non stop snacks? Chargeable in the future – Lufthansa A320neo with a catering truck attached, Image Economy Classs and Beyond.
The new catering option will be introduced in phases as of spring 2021, with Austrian Airlines starting up the programme, followed by SWISS and Lufthansa. It will be offered on short and medium-haul routes.
Following British Airways, many of the US carriers and so on, you’ll be be able to purchase a broad selection of high-quality foods and beverages on board, rather than haves free option.
According to Lufthansa ,the range of food and beverages will be available from the individual airlines in various forms, some of which will have regional references. The focus will be on fresh products and a selection of snacks.
The standard, complimentary snack will no longer be served when this is rolled out.
What were the snacks like?
Variable – to say the least.
Chicken Salami Sandwich on Lufthansa
Chocolate Croissant.
Mozzarella, Zucchini and Aubergine
Chicken Sandwich
In Quotes
Christina Foerster, Member of the Executive Board Lufthansa Group responsible for Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility.
“Our current snack offer in Economy Class does not always meet the expectations of our guests,”
“The new offer was developed on the basis of feedback from our customers. With the high-quality offer available for purchase, our passengers will be able to decide what they want to eat and drink on their journey.”
Changing another expense into a chargeable item
Quite frankly, I’m surprised its taken Lufthansa this long to follow other carriers and start to charge for items. The move follows trials out of Geneva with Swiss, as well as other airlines seeking to monetise what they used to give to passengers for free.
And if this truly based on customer feedback, were the surveyed persons advised that even drinks would be a chargeable item?
Of course, this brings Lufthansa. Swiss and Austrian into line with the Low-Cost Carriers, British Airways, Aer Lingus and others.
Well, those Five-star plaques cost serious money – even in pandemic times.
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